High-Dk silicone hydrogels effective as bandage contact lenses

ORLANDO, Fla. — Off-label use of silicone hydrogels as bandage contact lenses has a high success rate in both healing and pain relief, according to one physician.

Gary N. Foulks, MD, FACS, presented results of his study on 12 eyes that had epithelial defects, perforations or bullous keratopathy here at the joint meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology.

He found healing in 88% of eyes and pain relief in 100% after lens wear. One of the eyes experienced an epithelial defect. Dr. Foulks said his results are similar to those of other studies conducted in Europe.

According to Dr. Foulks, the goal of therapy for most conditions is to avoid vascularization. However, in cases of corneal perforation, the goal is to stimulate it. Based on these goals, Dr. Foulks recommended the following:

— When there is a need to prevent edema and vascularization, use an ultra-high Dk lens such as balafilcon A or lotrafilcon A.

— When there is a need to stimulate corneal vascularization, use a low-water-content thick band polymacon

— When cost is an issue, use a disposable daily wear lens such as etafilcon.

While lenses made of materials such as balafilcon A and lotrafilcon A are approved for therapeutic use in Europe, they are not yet approved for this indication in the United States.