AIM: To investigate the effects of bandage contact lenses on corneal irritation and wound healing after deep corneal foreignbody removal.

METHODS: Forty-six patients(46 eyes)with deep corneal foreignbody removal were divided into two groups(23 patients for each). Both groups received deep corneal foreignbody removal. Patients of group 1 wore bandage contact lenses after the surgery,while patients of group 2 did not receive any further treatment after the surgery. The differences in eye irritation( at 1,3 and 7d)and corneal epithelial healing(at 7d)between the two groups were observed.

RESULTS: Mean pain scores were significantly lower in group 1(0.44±0.26, 0.26±0.14, 0.12±0.08)than in group 2(1.26±0.44, 1.02±0.38, 0.68±0.26)at 1, 3 and 7d after the surgery(P<0.05). The rate of completely corneal epithelial healing at 7d were significantly higher in group 1(21 eyes, 91%)than in group 2(14 eyes,61%)(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Bandage contact lenses will accelerate the recovery of corneal wounds,improve the healthcare efficiency and effectively alleviate eye irritation.