Efficacy of an ocular bandage contact lens for the treatment of dry eye after phacoemulsification

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a bandage contact lens for alleviating dry eye discomfort after phacoemulsification. METHODS: In this prospective, controlled study, 60 age-related cataract patients with mild Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) were randomized to treatment with an ocular bandage contact lens (BCL) (n = 30) or to an untreated control group (n = 30) after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, evaluation of subjective symptoms and evaluation of the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were conducted preoperatively and postoperatively on days 1, 7, 14, 30 and 90. The tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer test with anesthesia, and fluorescein staining scores were measured preoperatively and postoperatively on days 7, 14, 30 and 90. RESULTS: There were no significant differences with respect to the BCVA between the groups at any time point. For the comparison of the OSDI, subjective evaluation scores, TBUT and fluorescein staining, statistically significant improvements were noted in the BCL group, especially on days 7 and 14 (P < 0.001, P < 0.001; P = 0.031, P = 0.009; P = 0.021, P = 0.028; and P = 0.03, P = 0.032, respectively). The Schirmer test results did not significantly change postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: A BCL can improve tear film stability and lessen dry eye discomfort immediately after phacoemulsification. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ChiCTR-INR-16008863 (Date of registration: 20 July 2016).