Comparison of bandage contact lens removal on the 3rd versus fifth post-operative day after photorefractive keratectomy

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of bandage contact lens (BCL) removal on the 3rd versus fifth post-operative day following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).Methods: This study recruited eyes of patients who underwent PRK surgery. The patients were assigned to 2 groups. In Group 1 BCL was removed on the 3rd post-operative day, while in Group 2, BCL was removed on the 5th post-operative day. After BCL removal, patients were asked to express their pain score and eye discomfort. Slit lamp examination was performed in all visits to evaluate complications. Results: 200 eyes of 100 patients underwent PRK. The age and sex ratio were not significantly different between the two groups. In both group filamentary keratitis (FK) was observed in 1 eye. No haze was seen in both groups. The difference in rate of complications was not statistically significant. Pain and eye discomfort scores were significantly different (P<0.05) using mixed model analysis. There were no major complications including infectious keratitis in either group. Conclusion: Following PRK surgery, BCL removal on the 3rd vs fifth post-operative day yields slightly increase in eye pain and discomfort.