Nanosilver eye patch for ocular surface trauma: a prospective randomised trial and review of the literature

To evaluate nanosilver eye patches versus Atrauman nanosilver dressings for ocular surface trauma.

This randomized non-inferiority trial (November 2024-April 2025) enrolled 60 patients assessed pre-treatment and on days 1, 7, and 14 post-treatment. The patients were then randomized into treatment (nanosilver eye patches) and control groups (Atrauman nanosilver dressings). Outcomes included wound healing, comfort (Ocular Comfort Index, OCI), and safety. Statistical analyses used t-tests, non-inferiority tests, and Chi-square tests.

Patient baseline characteristics were comparable between groups, with a mean age of 60.633±10.934 in the treatment group versus 64.933±9.606 in controls, and similar gender distribution (20/10 vs 17/13 male/female). Both groups showed comparable baseline OCI scores (treatment group: 6.100±2.187 vs control group: 6.267±2.303, P=0.775). Following treatment, scores increased significantly at day 1 (treatment group: 9.367±2.251; control group: 9.067±2.212, both P<0.001 vs baseline). Marked improvement was observed by day 7 (treatment group: 4.067±1.929; control group: 3.900±1.918, P<0.001 vs baseline), with complete resolution at day 14 (0.467±0.860 vs 0.467±1.008, P<0.001). The non-inferiority criterion was met. The treatment group showed greater improvement in Grade A wound healing rates (76.67% to 93.33%) compared to controls (80.00% to 86.67%) between 1 and 7d post-treatment. By 14d post-treatment, all patients achieved Grade A healing in both groups, with no Grade C cases observed throughout the study period. No adverse events were reported.

Nanosilver eye patches are non-inferior to Atrauman dressings, offering effective, safe emergency care for ocular trauma.