Comparative Study of Two Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses used as Bandage Contact Lenses after Photorefractive Keratectomy

BACKGROUND: Silicon hydrogel bandage contact lenses are used to enhance epithelial healing, control surface-generated pain, and prevent epithelial erosions after refractive surgery. Considering the importance of faster reepithelialization in preventing complications of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and the fact that the features and specifications of these commercially-available lenses are different and their performance as a postoperative bandage lenses would be different also, the aim of this study was comparison the efficacy of senofilcon A and lotrafilcon A after PRK. METHODS: In this prospective study, 44 patients with PRK in both eyes randomly received a silicon hydrogel contact lens of senofilcon A in one eye and lotrafilcon A in other eye. Then the epithelial defect size, visual acuity and subjective level of pain and discomfort were measured for both eyes and compared on day 1, 3 and 5 postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in rate of reepithelialization between senofilcon A and lotrafilcon A (P > 0.05). The mean pain and discomfort index was significantly lower in eyes with senofilcon A (P < 0.05). The mean subjective visual scores were similar with both bandage contact lenses (BCLs) (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Silicon hydrogel BCLs are safe and effective for corneal reepithelialization and have great therapeutic outcome on visual outcomes after PRK. But, senofilcon A had better effect on postoperative pain and discomfort which made it superior than lotrafilcon A. However for more conclusive results, it is recommended to study larger sample size with evaluation the possible factors responsible for the obtained findings regarding postoperative pain and discomfort.