Bandage Contact Lens (Therapeutic Contact Lenses): Types, Benefits and Risks

Published on April 23rd, 2024

Bandage contact lenses (therapeutic contact lenses) are a type of contact lens that can be worn post surgery, disease or injury to help heal or protect the cornea. Patients may only need to wear bandage contact lenses for a short period until their condition improves. Therapeutic contact lenses are commonly utilised in the management of many different corneal surface diseases and function by providing a clean and comfortable environment for the cornea to properly heal. The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye that aids in preventing germs or debris from entering the eye and is responsible for around 65% to 75% of the refraction of light that enters the eye according to Parker E. Ludwig et al. (2023). It is important to note that Oscar Wylee in Australia does not offer contact lenses or bandage contact lenses.

What are Therapeutic Contact Lenses?

Therapeutic contact lenses are contact lenses that are worn to help alleviate, recover and protect the cornea after surgery, an injury or disease. Therapeutic contact lenses work by creating an optimal environment for the cornea to heal properly.

How Do Bandage Contact Lenses Work For Corneal Abrasion and Blepharitis?

Bandage contact lenses work for corneal abrasions as they protect the cornea lens from environmental conditions and maintain the integrity of new forming epithelial cells. Bandage contact lenses are considered a helpful tool with healing impaired corneal tissue and alleviating pain and discomfort, especially after eye complications including corneal abrasions.

How Can Therapeutic Contact Lenses Work for Blepharitis?

Therapeutic contact lenses work for blepharitis by acting as a mechanical barrier between the cornea and the particles from the environment. This helps in maintaining moisture in the corneal epithelium, promotes wound healing in the cornea and providing pain relief. Therapeutic contact lenses are a useful method for managing and treating not only blepharitis but also bullous keratopathy, corneal erosions, corneal epithelial defects, and postsurgical conditions according to the Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology.

How to Apply Bandage Contact Lenses?

To apply bandage contact lenses you can follow steps such as washing your hands, placing the bandage contact lens on the point of your index finger, holding your upper eyelid open, placing the bandage contact lens in your eye and closing your eyes. Applying bandage contact lenses is a similar process to inserting regular contact lenses in the eye and should be an easy and painless process if you've used contact lenses before. However, it is important to note that it is often the practitioner who will insert the bandage contact lens as your eye and vision may be compromised. The steps on how to apply bandage contact lenses are listed below.

Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands first before touching your eyes and holding the bandage contact lens to prevent any possible bacteria from contaminating your eyes or the contact lens.
Place the Bandage Contact Lens On the Point of Your Index Finger: Place the bandage contact lens on the point of your index finger or middle finger of your dominant hand.
Hold Your Upper Eyelid Open: Hold your eyelid open with one hand while holding the bandage contact lens in the other hand.
Place the Bandage Contact Lens in Your Eye: Place the bandage contact lens in your eye carefully while either looking straight ahead or up towards the ceiling.
Close Your Eyes: Close your eyes slowly and roll them in a full circle to help them sit properly in place. Then open your eyes and gently blink a few times.

What are the Different Types of Therapeutic Contact Lenses Available?

The different types of therapeutic contact lenses available include soft, rigid gas permeable and hybrid. Bandage contact lenses are available in a variety of materials, shapes and sizes to cater to different needs. An eye care professional will select ones that are most suitable for your condition. The different types of therapeutic contact lenses are listed below.

Soft: Soft therapeutic contact lenses are the most commonly chosen form and have many different types that are FDA approved.
Rigid Gas Permeable: Rigid gas permeable contact lenses have two categories which include corneal lenses and scleral lenses. They are constructed from a breathable material that maintains its shape even if the cornea is impaired.
Hybrid: Hybrid therapeutic lenses also known as contact lens combinations, are created when a rigid gas permeable lens is needed for clear vision but are uncomfortable. Hybrid therapeutic lenses combine the benefit of providing good vision and sturdiness with the comfort of soft contact lenses according to All About Vision

Three different contact lenses pictured next to each other.

How Long Should a Bandage Contact Lens Stay in the Eyes?

A bandage contact lens should stay in the eyes for a few weeks to several months and should be replaced every two weeks. According to Science Direct, in order for the bandage contact lenses to work optimally. However, this will vary depending on the severity of your condition and required recovery time. Bandage contact lenses are very safe for the eyes as they create ideal conditions for the cornea to fully recover. However, consult your healthcare provider first if you believe you require a bandage contact lens.

Can I Sleep With a Bandage Contact Lens?

Yes, you can sleep with bandage contact lenses. Most bandage contact lenses are made to be worn overnight and continuously until your eye condition improves. They are helpful in retaining moisture in the eye and providing comfort, therefore, they are appropriate for wearing while sleeping.

Woman sleeping in bed with bedside lamp on

What are the Benefits of Using Therapeutic Contact Lenses?

The benefits of using therapeutic contact lenses are pain relief, hydration of the corneal epithelium and encouraging corneal wound healing. Therapeutic contact lenses are helpful in alleviating pain and discomfort as they help to isolate friction during blinking. They keep the corneal epithelium hydrated as they assist with improving stability of the eye’s tear film and provide protection for the eye from external threats from the environment.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects Associated with Therapeutic Contact Lenses?

The risks and side effects associated with therapeutic contact lenses may include ocular infections such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis and keratitis. It is important to note that these risks and/or side effects may occur as a result of insufficient cleaning and that follow-up monitoring and proper fit are vital to a safer experience when using therapeutic contact lenses. The risks and side effects associated with therapeutic contact lenses are listed below.

Blepharitis: Blepharitis is an eye condition that leads to inflammation of the eyelids as a result of bacteria or from oil gland issues. Blepharitis can present symptoms such as swelling, red eyes, crusted discharge and a burning sensation.
Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane that sits in front of the sclera of the eye and the inner eyelids. Symptoms can include tearing, redness, discharge, stinging eyes, itchiness and light sensitivity.
Keratitis: Keratitis is defined as inflammation or infection of the cornea caused by bacteria, viruses or from injuries. Symptoms of keratitis can include pain, redness, excessive tears, sensitivity to light and blurry vision.

How are Therapeutic Contact Lenses Prescribed?

Therapeutic contact lenses may be prescribed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist during the management or recovery phase of various ocular surface diseases. An eye care professional may prescribe therapeutic contact lenses to aid with your eye condition depending on its severity, which would have required an initial eye examination from an optometrist first.

What are the Considerations for Long-Term Use of Therapeutic Contact Lenses?

The considerations for long-term use of therapeutic contact lenses are regular follow-up examinations as patients who may be using therapeutic contact lenses long-term to monitor potential complications. Long-term use of therapeutic contact lenses can pose risks of developing infections in the eye such as keratitis, conjunctivitis and blepharitis.

What is the Difference Between Therapeutic Contact Lenses from the Regular Contact Lenses?

The difference between therapeutic contact lenses from regular contact lenses is primarily that therapeutic contact lenses are non-prescription as they are used to help with healing and optimal recovery. Therapeutic contact lenses may also be soaked in a certain medication prescribed by an eye specialist to further aid with healing, while regular contact lenses are only designed to correct vision.

Is Your Vision Blurry While Using a Bandage Contact Lens?

Yes, your vision can be blurry while using a bandage contact lens and it may also be blurry as a result of your eye condition or from post-surgery. Blurred vision may also develop after taking your bandage contact lenses off, however, this should alleviate on its own after a few days.