AIM: To observe the value of confocal corneal microscopy in guiding the use of bandage contact lens(BCL)in long-term for recurrent corneal erosions(RCE)syndrom.

METHODS: Thirty-six patients(36 eyes)with RCE wearing BCL in our hospital from March, 2014 to September, 2014 were randomly selected. Eye pain and irritation symptoms, corneal epithelial healing, confocal microscopy images and complications were observed before and after the patients wearing BCL at 2, 4, 8 and 12wk.

RESULTS: After 30min wearing BCL, eye pain and irritation symptoms got a different degree of relief, completely disappearing in 26 eyes(72%)and obviously relief in 10 eyes(28%). The mean corneal epithelial healing time was 5.68±0.73d. Confocal corneal microscopy showed that the morphology and arrangement of basal epithelial cells and the shape and density of subbasal nerve plexus returned to normal at 2, 4, 8 and 12wk. The inflammatory cells in the anterior stroma near corneal epithelial basal cells disappeared gradually. There was no serious complication during the period wearing bandage lens.

CONCLUSION: BCL guided by confocal corneal microscopy for REC can avoid removing lens prematurely, and it is a simple, safe and effective method for making basilar membrane and bowman layer closely adhered to reduce recurrence.