AIM: To investigate the clinical safety and effectiveness of the two kind of bandage contact lenses: Senofilcon A(Johnson & Johnson Acuvue Oasys)and Balafilcon A(Bausch& Lomb pure vision)after laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy(LASEK).

METHODS: Thirty-eight patients(76 eyes)who had undergone the LASEK were divided into two groups. One group of patients wore Balafilcon A, the other group of patients fitted with Senofilcon A. The lenses were worn continuously for 7d. This was a seven-day experience and the patients scored for the symptom of the eyes(sore eyes, foreign body sensation and tearing)on the third day and the seventh day. Both of the two groups of patients taken off the soft contact lens on the seventh day and let their vision and corneal staining checked.

RESULTS: The symptoms of eye sore and tearing of the two groups patients were different. The patients who wore the Senofilcon A were better. The pain of eyes were also different at 3 and 7d after surgeries(Z=-4.146, P=0.000; Z=-2.814, P=0.005). The difference on tearing between the two groups at 3 and 7d after surgeries were significant(Z=-2.309, P=0.021; Z=-3.276, P=0.001). There was no difference on sensation of dryness between the two groups at 3 and 7d after surgeries(Z=-0.447, P=0.655; Z=-0.966, P=0.334). After the lenses were taken off, the visual acuity of patients wearing Senofilcon A was better(t=3.800, P=0.001); corneal staining showed limited spots in 1-2 quadrants with significant difference(Z=-2.384,P=0.017).

CONCLUSION: The Senofilcon A(Johnson & Johnson Acuvue Oasys)and Balafilcon A(Bausch& Lomb pure vision)bandage contact lenses are safe and effective after LASEK, and the former is better than the latter in epithelial regeneration.