Article

Bandage contact lenses cause increase in incidence of epithelial ingrowth

A study comparing three LASIK re-treatment techniques found that using a bandage contact lens resulted in an increased incidence of epithelial ingrowth, according to Colin Chan, MBBS, of the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute, Los Angeles.

A study comparing three LASIK re-treatment techniques found that using a bandage contact lens resulted in an increased incidence of epithelial ingrowth, according to Colin Chan, MBBS, of the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute, Los Angeles.

He pointed out that epithelial ingrowth is a common complication, with reported rates ranging from 0% to 55%. However, the cause of the complication is unknown. He speculated that perhaps direct trauma or peripheral laser pulses might be the culprit.

Dr. Chan and colleagues studied 30 consecutive eyes divided into three groups of 10 eyes each: the forceps lift group, the bandage contact lens group, and the spatula-cleaving group. All patients underwent conventional re-treatment with LADARVision (Alcon Laboratories).

In the bandage contact lens group, there was a surge of epithelial ingrowth, with four of the 10 patients developing the complication. In comparison, one of 10 patients in the spatula group, and two of 10 patients in the forceps lift group developed epithelial ingrowth, Dr. Chan reported.

When the investigators studied the patients based on age, they found that there was a correlation with increasing age and the development of epithelial ingrowth. Patients aged 53 years and older developed epithelial ingrowth, while younger patients did not.

"Further study is needed to delineate these findings," Dr. Chan said. "The application of a bandage contact lens did not prevent the development of epithelial ingrowth, which is counter to common belief."

Newsletter

Don’t miss out—get Ophthalmology Times updates on the latest clinical advancements and expert interviews, straight to your inbox.

Related Videos
Sheng Lim, MD, FRCOphth, discusses the CONCEPT study, which compared standalone cataract surgery to cataract surgery with ECP, at the 2025 ASCRS Annual Meeting.
(Image credit: Ophthalmology Times) ASCRS 2025: Steven J. Dell, MD, reports 24-month outcomes for shape-changing IOL
Alex Hacopian, MD, discusses a presbyopia-correcting IOL at the 2025 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) annual meeting
(Image credit: Ophthalmology Times) ASCRS 2025: Parag Majmudar, MD, on bridging the gap between residency and real-world practice
Brett Bielory, MD, discusses his poster at the ASCRS annual meeting, which focuses on an under-diagnosed corneal pathology: neurotrophic keratitis.
(Image credit: Ophthalmology Times) Oluwatosin U. Smith talks Glaukomtecken
ASCRS 2025: Eva Kim, MD, discusses implantable collamer lenses and high myopia.
Abby Markward, MBA, and Hattie Hayes, editor of Ophthalmology Times Europe, discuss the ASCRS and ASOA meetings
Abby Markward discusses the ASCRS Foundation and the ASCRS Annual Meeting
(Image credit: Ophthalmology Times) Inside ASCRS 2025: Francis S. Mah, MD, takes the helm with a vision for research, education, and advocacy
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.