AIM: To compare the outcomes of removing bandage contact lens (BCL) on days 3and 5 after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
Methods: One hundred patients underwent PRK (totally 200 eyes) were enrolled in the present study. The subjects were assigned to two groups. BCL removal was performed in group 1 on the day 3 after PRK from the right eye, but the removal in the group 2 was performed 5 days after the surgery from the left eye. Then, data obtained from both groups were compared. To evaluate complications, the subjects underwent slit-lamp examination in all visits.
Results: Filamentary keratitis (FK) was observed in one eye in both groups. The frequency of haze was higherin group 1; however, it was not significant between two group. Using mixed model analysis, significant differences were observed in the rate of complications as well as pain and eye discomfort scores between the groups (P <0.05). No major complication was reported.
Conclusion: Majority of post PRK corneal epithelial defect is healed on day 3. However, keeping BCL for 5 days postoperatively, instead of the three days produces slightly lower rate of total complication.