Ocular lubrication versus bandage contact lens in recurrent erosion syndrome (RES)
Reviewed by Sharmina Khan

Twenty-nine patients (eight traumatic, five epithelial basement membrane dystrophy, two idiopathic) were randomised using SPSS to either ocular lubricants or bandage contact lenses (BCLs). Only patients previously treated with ocular lubricants were included. Patients with previous surgery, laser treatment, dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction ocular surface disease or previous refractive surgery were excluded. Patients were examined on the slit-lamp and findings recorded; their pain was scored using a visual analogue score. Patients with macro erosion were first treated with g. Chloramphenicol 0.5% 4/day for five days. Patients were examined monthly for four months, if there was resolution again at three months otherwise monthly until seven months. BCLs (Air Optix Night and Day) were replaced monthly. Lubricants used were oc. Lacri-Lube at night and carbomer gel (Celluvisc) 0.5% 4/day. Trial outcome was assessed at four months: 1) Complete resolution with no symptoms; 2) Partial resolution; and 3) No resolution. Results showed no significant difference in outcome at four months between the two treatment arms. However, there was a significant difference in time to resolution; patients on BCL achieved complete resolution at five weeks compared with nine weeks if treated with ocular lubricants. There was no significant difference in the pain scores between the two groups. There is not enough evidence based on this and other studies that routine use of BCL in early RES management is beneficial over ocular lubricants.

Randomized controlled study of ocular lubrication versus bandage contact lens in the primary treatment of recurrent erosion syndrome.
Ahad MA, Anandan MA, Tah V, Dhingra S, Leyland M.
CORNEA
2013;32:1311-4.