Therapeutic contact lens as the primary treatment for traumatic corneal erosions.
BACKGROUND
Corneal erosions, a common and very painful ailment, are traditionally treated with pressure patches and antibiotic ointment but the healing is slow.


OBJECTIVE
To report our experience with the use of therapeutic contact lenses for the primary treatment of traumatic corneal erosions.


METHODS
During the last 5 years in a single community clinic 65 consecutive patients with traumatic corneal erosions were treated with a corneal contact lens and antibiotic drops as a routine measure. The charts were reviewed for outcome, side effects and complications.


RESULTS
Healing of the corneal erosions occurred within 1 to 3 days in all patients, with minimal or no pain. No corneal infection occurred. One patient had a recurrence that was successfully treated by lens placement.


CONCLUSIONS
The therapeutic contact lens with antibiotic drops is a safe and effective method to treat traumatic corneal erosions, and patients can immediately resume their regular activities.
Gilad
Emil
E
Department of Ophthalmology, Joseftal Hospital, Eilat, Israel.
Bahar
Irit
I
Rotberg
Benjamin
B
Weinberger
Dov
D
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003263:Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic / Q000592:standards*; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D020795:Photophobia / Q000209:etiology; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions