Controlled evaluation of a bandage contact lens and a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug in treating traumatic corneal abrasions.
BACKGROUND
Treating traumatic corneal abrasions is a common problem for the ophthalmologist. Traditional management has been the use of a pressure patch. Three different therapeutic modalities were evaluated for their efficacy in treating traumatic corneal abrasions.


METHODS
Forty-seven consecutive patients with traumatic corneal abrasions were randomized prospectively in a single-masked, controlled clinical trial which compared the efficacy of (1) pressure patching, (2) a bandage contact lens, and (3) a bandage contact lens with a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (0.5% ketorolac tromethamine).


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in the healing time of the three groups. However, psychometric analysis showed a significant decrease in pain in the group that received a bandage contact lens with a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. There was a significant difference in the ability to return to normal activities in both contact lens groups compared with the pressure-patch group. There was no significant difference among the three groups with respect to photophobia, redness, ocular irritation, headache, or tearing.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of a bandage contact lens significantly shortens the time required for a patient to return to normal activities. Moreover, addition of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to a treatment regimen significantly decreases the pain associated with traumatic corneal abrasions. Use of a bandage contact lens with a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory may prove to be an effective adjunct in treating traumatic corneal abrasions.
Donnenfeld
E D
ED
Lions Eye Bank for Long Island, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.
Selkin
B A
BA
Perry
H D
HD
Moadel
K
K
Selkin
G T
GT
Cohen
A J
AJ
Sperber
L T
LT
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001458:Bandages; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003261:Contact Lenses; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020911:Ketorolac Tromethamine; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D011112:Polymyxin B / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014046:Tolmetin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014295:Trimethoprim / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014325:Tromethamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D014325:Tromethamine; D020911:Ketorolac Tromethamine; D014295:Trimethoprim; D014046:Tolmetin; D011112:Polymyxin B