title: Therapeutic contact lens as the primary treatment for traumatic corneal erosions.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Joseftal Hospital, Eilat, Israel.
authors.forename: Emil
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gilad
authors.forename: Irit
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bahar
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rotberg
authors.forename: Dov
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Weinberger
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions