Post-keratoplasty corneal ulcers and bandage lenses

285 cases of penetrating keratoplasty in whom hydrophilic bandage lenses were fitted were analyzed for the occurrence of corneal ulcers. Of these eyes 26 developed culture-proven bacterial ulcers. No correlation could be made between any particular type of contact lens and the development of corneal ulcer. Although no single factor could be delineated which may be responsible for this problem, this risk appears to be escalated where host defense mechanisms are impaired. The clinician should recognize the potential risk in using bandage lenses when the cornea is immunosuppressed and completely denervated.