Masked comparison of silicone hydrogel PureVision and PureVision 2 bandage contact lenses after photorefractive keratectomy

In this study, 45 patients received PRK in both eyes. Each patient received a BCL comprised of PureVision (balafilcon A,Bausch&lomb)(BC 8.6, Diameter 14)in 1 eye and PureVision 2 (balafilconA,Bausch&lomb)(BC 8.6, Diameter 14) in the other eye. The examiner and patient were unaware of the lens type. The medication regimen after surgery was the same for both lenses.The epithelial defect size, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal infiltration, lens centeration, and subjective level of discomfort, tearing, photophobia, foreign body sensation, visual fluctuation were assessed 1,3 and 5 days after surgery.

We analyzed 90 eyes of 45 consecutive patients who undevent PRK.The mean epithelial defect size at 1 day postoperatively was similar with both BCL.(Purevision 30.4 mm² and PureVision 2 30.6 mm²,P=0.79 ).There was no difference in contact lens deposit on day 1and 3 but this was more on day 5 on PureVision 2 than PureVision bandage contact lens (P=0.02).Also conjunctival hyperemia was only on day 5 in PureVision 2 lenses more than PureVision lenses group(P=o.o4). There was no difference in corneal infiltration, contact lens decentration, and questionnaire symptoms including pain, tearing, foreing body sensation, photophobia and visual fluctuation.

PureVision and PureVision 2 bandage contact lenses seem to be useful as continuous wear bandage contact lenses.However , PureVision 2 led to a higher incidence of contact lens deposit and conjuctival hyperemia on day 5.