Base curves of therapeutic lenses and their effects on post Epi-LASIK vision and pain: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of bandage contact lenses with two different base curves in promoting epithelial healing after epithelial laser in situ keratomileusis (epi-LASIK).

METHODS

A prospective, observer-masked study was conducted in 27 patients. Each patient randomly received one bandage contact lens with an 8.4-mm base curve in one eye and one with an 8.8-mm base curve in the fellow eye. Corneal epithelial status, pain score, spherical equivalent, and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) were examined during the first postoperative month.

RESULTS

Corneal epithelial status, postoperative pain, and spherical equivalent were similar for both lenses during the first postoperative month. The eyes with lenses with an 8.8-mm base curve had better UCVA on postoperative day (POD) 4, but there was no significant difference in UCVA after POD 7. In the patients with preoperative low to moderate myopia and low keratometric values (<43.0 D), there was no significant difference in the postoperative UCVA between the lenses. On the other hand, in patients with preoperative high myopia and high keratometric values (> or =43.0 D), UCVA was better in eyes with lenses with an 8.8-mm base curve on POD 4.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the base curves of bandage contact lenses affect visual rehabilitation after epi-LASIK, particularly in patients with a steep cornea and high myopia.