In today's optometry, bandage contact lenses are a novel and essential instrument that provides therapeutic benefits for various ocular illnesses. Unlike traditional contact lenses, which are primarily designed for vision correction, bandage contact lenses function as a barrier of defence, promote healing, and ease discomfort. This article explores the science, applications, benefits, and issues related to bandage contact lenses to give readers a comprehensive understanding of their role in eye care.
What is a bandage contact lens?
A bandage lens is a therapeutic, often soft contact lens worn in the eye for a longer time. It shields the cornea, or front portion of the eye, while it heals.
The eyes frequently dry up in the morning and become more susceptible to harm from lid movement since fewer tears are generated throughout the night.
Your therapeutic contact lens protects your eyes from the mechanical rubbing of your eyelids during blinking and the natural action of opening your eyes first thing in the morning.
When you wear therapeutic lenses, your eyes should feel more comfortable and pain-free. The lenses facilitate and support corneal healing by creating a smooth barrier between the cornea and the eyelids.
How does a bandage contact lens function?
The cornea is sensitive to pain and needs specific conditions to heal effectively. A bandage contact lens provides a cozy, secure, and optimal environment for the cornea to heal.
Types of bandage contact lenses
- Hydrogel lenses: These lenses offer good comfort and hydration since they contain polymers containing water. Compared to silicone hydrogel lenses, they can have less oxygen permeability, yet they are helpful in many therapeutic applications.
- Silicone hydrogel lenses: These lenses offer improved oxygen permeability and the advantages of hydrogel materials. They are frequently used for situations requiring prolonged use and extended wear.
Shall I handle the lens?
No. You will continue to wear the bandage contact lens in your eye until your subsequent appointment with the eye department. Rarely do our patients need to put in and take out their bandage contact lenses; in such cases, your eye doctor will let you know and show you how to handle the lens.
How bandage contact lenses work
By covering the cornea, bandage contact lenses create a physical barrier that shields it from outside irritants and mechanical harm. This barrier effect is beneficial in multiple ways:
- Protection: A BCL is a barrier that helps protect the cornea. It safeguards the cornea from getting harmed by growths, lumps, or foreign things on the inside of the eyelid, a misdirected eyelash, or anything else that can cause injury. Additionally, it prevents the eye from drying up in cases of injury, ectropion (turning in or out of the eye), and lagophthalmos (not closing all the way). A BCL is necessary for optimal outcomes in specific advanced corneal therapies, such as fitting rigid gas-permeable medical contact lenses, keratoprosthesis, or superglue repair of a thin cornea.
- Pain management: The transparent membrane in front of the eye is called the cornea. It has more pain receptors than anywhere else in the body. When injured or damaged by disease or infection, these nerve terminals are exposed due to inflammation or surgery. Acute discomfort may ensue from them being triggered by air currents and the eyelid during a blink. Exposed nerve endings are covered with a bandage contact lens (BCL) to help manage pain.
- Healing promotion: Epithelium cells must migrate from the cornea's periphery to the injured area for the corneal surface to heal. Thanks to a BCL, these cells can easily reach their destination with no blinking interruption.
- Drug delivery: In some situations, bandage contact lenses can be used with medicated eye drops, allowing for better medication retention and absorption on the eye's surface.
Bandage contact lens indications
Many ocular disorders are treated with bandage contact lenses, such as:
- Corneal abrasions: Recurrent Corneal Erosion (RCE) usually manifests during awake hours. It will feel like you have a lash in your eye or worse. RCEs heal within 24 hours, and the discomfort should improve as the day progresses. A history of corneal dystrophy or abrasion is one of the causes of RCEs. RCEs commonly keep recurring and can be addressed with a BCL.
- Post-surgical healing: Bandage contact lenses help shield the eye and hasten healing following procedures like PRK, LASIK, or cataract surgery.
- Dry eye syndrome is characterized by decreased tear production or an unstable tear film, frequently resulting in dry, gritty eyes and poor vision. Tiny surface erosions in the eye can be painful due to inadequate lubrication. In severe cases, small tags (called filamentary keratitis) form on the cornea's surface, activating the pain receptors in the eye with every blink. A BCL will eliminate the corneal filaments and protect the eye.
- Recurrent corneal erosion: This disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of corneal epithelial damage, frequently resulting in pain and discomfort. Bandage lenses provide a sturdy surface that can lessen the frequency of erosions.
- Keratoconus: When the trigeminal nerve, commonly known as the fifth cranial nerve, is injured, the cornea loses its capacity to perceive pain. This condition is known as neurotrophic keratitis (NK). When this nerve is damaged, the cornea's surface becomes unhealthy and can erode, thin, or, in severe situations, break all of the cornea's layers.
Benefits of bandage contact lenses
- Comfort: These lenses help lessen the discomfort caused by conditions and injuries to the cornea by making the patient more comfortable.
- Protection: Bandage lenses shield the cornea from further harm caused by mechanical friction and outside irritants.
- Enhanced healing: The lenses' moist environment and protection help the corneal epithelium heal quickly and efficiently.
- Reduced discomfort: These lenses help alleviate discomfort from corneal abrasions, ulcers, and other injuries by forming a smooth, protective coating over the cornea.
- Better absorption and retention of medication: Bandage lenses, when used with medicated eye drops, help enhance the absorption and retention of drugs on the eye's surface.
Possible dangers and issues
- Comfort: These lenses lessen the discomfort associated with corneal injuries and conditions because they are made to be comfortable for the patient.
- Protection: By covering the cornea, bandage lenses guard against additional damage from mechanical friction and outside irritants.
- Enhanced Healing: The corneal epithelium heals more quickly and efficiently when the lenses' moist environment and protection are present.
- Reduced discomfort: These lenses help alleviate discomfort from corneal abrasions, ulcers, and other injuries by forming a smooth, protective coating over the cornea.
- Bandage lenses, when used with medicated eye drops, can help enhance the absorption and retention of medications on the eye's surface.
Can I wear makeup on my eyes while wearing contact lenses?
When wearing contact lenses, you can apply makeup, but you should take the following precautions:
- Before applying makeup, especially around the eyes, wash your hands.
- Don't use kohl liner on your inner eyelid to prevent makeup from getting in your eyes.
- Regularly wash your makeup brushes.
- Replace eye makeup products periodically and avoid sharing them.
- Make use of eye makeup removers without oil.
Proper care and handling
Having a new BCL inserted at the clinic will most often take care of any situation where the lens comes loose from the eye and is not life-threatening. BCLs are typically placed on the eye and removed by the doctor. Observe the doctors. An antibiotic eye drop is often applied to reduce the possibility of infection while the lens is left in place overnight. You can use artificial tears or rewetting drops that are approved with contact lenses.
In some cases—such as for dry eye management—the BCL must be removed at night and placed on the eye again in the morning. In this instance, the clinic that fitted you with your BCL should instruct you on how to clean and maintain the lens and insert and remove it.
Observations regarding the proper care of contact lenses:
Do's:
- Clean hands before handling and cleaning the lenses.
- Use a new contact lens solution whenever you place the lenses in the case.
- Replace your contact lens case every two months and clean it daily.
Don'ts:
- Never use Do shouldn't or tap water to clean your contact lenses; never bathe or swim with them in your eyes; never sleep with them unless expressly advised; and never "top off" your "solution" when storing them at night.
Conclusion
Bandage contact lenses significantly advance therapeutic eye care by offering protection, pain relief, and better healing for ocular disorders. Their utility in treating corneal injuries, post-surgical recovery, and chronic illnesses such as dry eye syndrome originates from their potential to build a protective barrier, sustain a moist environment, and aid medication retention.
Bandage contact lenses' potential uses and advantages are predicted to rise as technology improves, opening new possibilities for increasing patient outcomes and quality of life. It is crucial to wear these lenses under the guidance of an eye care professional and follow advised hygiene and maintenance procedures to reduce risks and achieve the best results.
Bandage contact lenses will undoubtedly play an increasingly significant part in the future of eye care through ongoing study, innovation, and collaboration between scientists, physicians, and patients. They will offer comfort, protection, and healing to countless people worldwide.
Casey Optical Too, LLC is dedicated to providing the community with top-notch optometry services. Our long-standing commitment to quality, coupled with a warm and inviting atmosphere, ensures that all your eye care needs are met with care and expertise. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the best in optometry—schedule an appointment with our esteemed optometrists in Albuquerque, New Mexico, today.
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