A bandage contact lens (BCL) is a medical device used in eye care, distinct from standard lenses worn for vision correction. Its primary function is therapeutic, serving as a protective covering for the delicate front surface of the eye, the cornea. These lenses are typically made of a soft material like silicone hydrogel, which offers high oxygen permeability, allowing the cornea to remain healthy underneath the lens. The BCL is a non-prescription lens, meaning it does not contain focusing power, and its purpose is to facilitate healing and comfort following injury or surgery.
The Primary Role of Bandage Lenses
The BCL creates a smooth, physical barrier between the sensitive corneal surface and the mechanical friction caused by the eyelids during blinking. When the corneal epithelium, the outermost layer, is damaged, nerve endings are exposed, causing pain. By covering this area, the lens shields these exposed nerve endings, providing immediate pain relief.
The lens also acts as a scaffold, stabilizing the ocular surface and creating an optimal, moist environment for cellular regrowth. Epithelial cells can migrate smoothly across the lens surface to cover the defect, accelerating the natural repair process. This helps corneal healing by reducing the mechanical forces that could otherwise inhibit re-epithelialization.
Determining Wear Duration
The length of time a bandage contact lens stays in place depends on the underlying condition and the rate of corneal healing. An eye doctor dictates the wear duration, and patients must adhere to this schedule for a successful recovery. The lens is generally worn continuously, including during sleep, to maximize therapeutic effect and protection.
For smaller, uncomplicated corneal abrasions, the lens may only be needed for 24 to 72 hours until the epithelial defect closes completely. Following surface surgeries like Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), the BCL is typically worn for three to seven days, the average time required for new epithelial cells to regrow.
For chronic conditions, such as persistent epithelial defects or recurrent corneal erosion, the duration can be significantly longer, sometimes lasting for several weeks or up to two months. Patients must never attempt to remove the lens themselves, as premature removal can disrupt fragile new tissue and delay healing.
Essential Care and Precautions
Maintaining hygiene is necessary to minimize the risk of infection while wearing a bandage contact lens. Hands should always be washed before touching the face or eye area. Patients must avoid getting water directly into the eye, meaning no swimming and exercising caution when showering to prevent tap water from contacting the lens.
Patients must use all prescribed eye drops, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, exactly as directed by the doctor. These medications can be administered directly over the BCL; often, preservative-free drops are used to prevent chemical buildup on the lens material.
If the eye suddenly develops increased pain, redness, discharge, or a noticeable decrease in vision, the provider must be contacted immediately, as these are signs of a potential complication or infection. If the lens accidentally dislodges or falls out, the patient should contact the eye clinic immediately for guidance rather than attempting to reinsert it.
The Removal Process
The final step in BCL treatment is the removal of the lens, which must be performed by the eye care professional in a clinical setting. This procedure is generally quick and painless, often involving the doctor using sterile instruments to gently lift the lens from the eye surface. The primary reason for professional removal is the necessity of a follow-up examination to confirm complete and stable healing of the cornea.
Once the lens is removed, the doctor checks the cornea under magnification to ensure the new epithelial layer is firmly adhered and intact. The removal marks the transition from the acute healing phase to the longer-term recovery of the corneal surface.