2 · Matrix, regenerative agents & supportive devices
Bandage / therapeutic contact lenses (BCL, scleral lenses)
Review — modulators of corneal healing › 2 · Matrix, regenerative agents & supportive devices › Bandage / therapeutic contact lenses (BCL, scleral lenses)
Bandage / therapeutic contact lenses (BCL, scleral lenses)
High-Dk silicone hydrogel; scleral lenses / PROSE · purely mechanical action
Oxford II–IV
Moderate–Strong
Present · mainstay
Mechanism of actionMechanical protection (splinting) of the regenerating epithelium against eyelid shear → uninterrupted migration/adhesion; covers exposed sub-basal nerves (pain relief); maintains hydration and a tear reservoir (scleral vaulting); tamponades micro-perforations. Can also serve as a drug reservoir.
IndicationsPED/recurrent erosions, post-surgery (PRK/CXL/PKP), bullous keratopathy (pain relief), filamentary keratitis, micro-perforations (with glue), retention of amniotic membrane. Caution in active infectious keratitis.
Route & dosageContinuous/extended wear from a few days to weeks, with topical antibiotic prophylaxis + preservative-free lubricants; scleral lenses worn during the day.
Level of evidenceOxford II–IV · Scale: Moderate–Strong (pain and closure after surgery), Moderate as an adjunct for PEDs.
| FDA | Several lenses cleared (Class II/III) with a "therapeutic/bandage" and "extended wear" indication. |
|---|---|
| EU MA | CE-marked devices — standard availability. |
| France | Available — standard of care. |
| USA | Available, reimbursed. |
| Asia | Available. |
Key studies: systematic review of post-surgical bandage lenses (2023) — PMID 37816246 ; numerous post-PRK RCTs (pain/re-epithelialization).
See also: Gabison E. “Corneal wound-healing agents”. In: SFO 2023 Report — Médicaments et biothérapies en ophtalmologie, chapter 21. Full text, open access (in French).