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Collagen corneal shields
C E Willoughby1, M Batterbury, S B Kaye
1St Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Survey of Ophthalmology
|March 29, 2002
Summary
Collagen corneal shields offer potential for drug delivery and healing in various eye conditions. Further human studies are needed to fully assess their clinical benefits and applications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Collagen corneal shields function as bandage lenses for ocular surface protection.
- They are indicated for post-surgical, traumatic, and non-traumatic corneal conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence supporting collagen corneal shields in drug delivery and corneal wound healing.
- To advocate for reassessment of their clinical application and benefits.
Main Methods:
- Review of theoretical, experimental (animal), and clinical evidence.
- Examination of collagen shield properties and applications in various ocular conditions.
Main Results:
- Collagen shields show potential as drug delivery devices and in promoting epithelial and stromal healing.
- Presoaking shields in pharmacological agents enhances drug delivery efficacy.
- In microbial keratitis, they can improve drug delivery, healing, neutralize collagenases, and reduce inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Evidence supports the role of collagen shields in drug delivery and corneal healing.
- A lack of human studies, particularly randomized controlled trials, necessitates further investigation.
- Reassessment of corneal collagen shields in clinical practice is recommended.