HYDROPHILIC CONTACT LENSES IN CORNEAL DISORDERS

Abstract

Hydrophilic bandage lenses were fitted in 107 patients with corneal disorders not satisfactorily responding to conventional medical treatment. An overall beneficial effect on both ocular discomfort, visual acuity and corneal disorder was found (P < 0.002). Regarding each group separately, only patients with bullous keratopathy and those with corneal ulcers achieved a significant reduction of ocular discomfort (P < 0.002) and a significant improvement of visual acuity (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). In bullous keratopathy corneal edema was significantly reduced by concomitant use of contact lenses and 5% NaCl eye drops (P < 0.01). Significant improvement of corneal disorders occurred in patients with corneal ulcers and in those with corneal lacerations (P < 0.002 and P < 0.01, respectively). Complications included corneal vascularization (7.5%) and keratitis/keratoconjunctivitis (5.6%). Prophylactic use of topical antibiotics appeared necessary only in dry eye disease.