A corneal lens/shield system to promote postoperative corneal epithelial healing

We used a disposable bandage soft contact lens piggybacked onto a medicated, 12-hour corneal collagen shield to promote postoperative corneal epithelial healing and to provide sustained delivery of high levels of medications after corneal surgery in patients known to have poor corneal epithelial wound healing characteristics. Our experience with three patients indicates that the collagen shield dissolves completely by the first postoperative day and that the bandage lens remains in place with good mobility until it is removed when epithelialization is complete. This system eliminates the need for painful manipulation and placement of a bandage soft contact lens in an edematous, inflamed eye during the immediate postoperative period.