Role of the bandage soft contact lens in the postoperative laser in situ keratomileusis patient.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a bandage soft contact lens (BSCL) is routinely needed in the postoperative laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) patient and whether topical tetracaine 0.5% or diclofenac sodium 0.1% (Voltaren) is more effective in relieving patient discomfort than a BSCL.


METHODS
LCA-Vision Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.


METHODS
In this prospective randomized comparative study, all patients had bilateral simultaneous LASIK procedures. Post-LASIK patient comfort was evaluated through 3 arms of the study: BSCL versus no BSCL, 40 consecutive patients with 1 eye randomized to receive a BSCL and no BSCL in the fellow eye; BSCL versus tetracaine 0.5%, 26 consecutive patients with 1 eye randomized to receive a BSCL and tetracaine 0.5% in the fellow eye; tetracaine 0.5% versus Voltaren, 54 consecutive patients with 1 eye randomized to receive tetracaine 0.5% and Voltaren in the fellow eye.


RESULTS
The patient preferences after LASIK were as follows: BSCL versus no BSCL-12 (30%) versus 23 (58%) (P =.062); BSCL versus tetracaine 0.5%-4 (15%) versus 22 (85%) (P <.001). On average, the eyes with no BSCL had a 2-line improvement in uncorrected visual acuity over the BSCL eyes. Tetracaine 0.5% versus Voltaren-13 (24%) versus 21 (39%) (P =.170).


CONCLUSIONS
The routine use of a BSCL in the postoperative LASIK patient is not necessary. Voltaren and tetracaine 0.5% were safe and more effective in relieving postoperative patient discomfort and resulted in improved visual acuity immediately postoperatively.
Ahmed
I I
II
University of Toronto, Department of Ophthalmology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Breslin
C W
CW
D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003263:Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D008297:Male; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013748:Tetracaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013748:Tetracaine; D004008:Diclofenac