In RCE/EBMD treatment, when should a bandage contact lens be placed?

In RCE/EBMD treatment, when should a bandage contact lens be placed?

• A. If not a previous contact lens wearer
• B. If there is an active infection
• C. Always
• D. Never

Answer: (A)

Placing a bandage contact lens helps protect and promote healing of the corneal surface after an epithelial defect seen in recurrent corneal erosions or EBMD. The best scenario to use it is when the patient has never worn contact lenses before. In someone without prior CL wear, a bandage lens can shield the healing epithelium and reduce pain without adding the risks associated with existing lens wear. If the patient is already a contact lens wearer, introducing a bandage lens increases the risk of lens-related complications, including infection, lens intolerance, and poor lens hygiene, so it is generally avoided unless there is a compelling reason and there is close follow-up. It’s also not used when there is an active infection, since a lens can harbor organisms and worsen keratitis. So, the appropriate situation is to place a bandage contact lens only if the patient has not previously worn contact lenses.

Placing a bandage contact lens helps protect and promote healing of the corneal surface after an epithelial defect seen in recurrent corneal erosions or EBMD. The best scenario to use it is when the patient has never worn contact lenses before. In someone without prior CL wear, a bandage lens can shield the healing epithelium and reduce pain without adding the risks associated with existing lens wear. If the patient is already a contact lens wearer, introducing a bandage lens increases the risk of lens-related complications, including infection, lens intolerance, and poor lens hygiene, so it is generally avoided unless there is a compelling reason and there is close follow-up. It’s also not used when there is an active infection, since a lens can harbor organisms and worsen keratitis. So, the appropriate situation is to place a bandage contact lens only if the patient has not previously worn contact lenses.