Comparative Study of Two Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses used as Bandage Contact Lenses after Photorefractive Keratectomy

Background: silicon hydrogel bandage contact lenses are usedto enhance epithelial healing, control surface-generated pain, andprevent epithelial erosions after refractive surgery. considering theimportance of faster reepithelialization in preventing complicationsof photorefractive keratectomy (prk) and the fact that the featuresand specifications of these commercially-available lenses aredifferent and their performance as a postoperative bandage lenseswould be different also, the aim of this study was comparison theefficacy of senofilcon a and lotrafilcon a after prk.methods: in this prospective study, 44 patients with prk inboth eyes randomly received a silicon hydrogel contact lens ofsenofilcon a in one eye and lotrafilcon a in other eye. then theepithelial defect size, visual acuity and subjective level of pain anddiscomfort were measured for both eyes and compared on day 1,3 and 5 postoperatively.results: there was no statistical difference in rate of reepithelializationbetween senofilcon a and lotrafilcon a (p > 0.05). the mean painand discomfort index was significantly lower in eyes with senofilcona (p < 0.05). the mean subjective visual scores were similar withboth bandage contact lenses (bcls) (p > 0.05).conclusion: silicon hydrogel bcls are safe and effective forcorneal reepithelialization and have great therapeutic outcome onvisual outcomes after prk. but, senofilcon a had better effecton postoperative pain and discomfort which made it superiorthan lotrafilcon a. however for more conclusive results, it isrecommended to study larger sample size with evaluation thepossible factors responsible for the obtained findings regardingpostoperative pain and discomfort.