Recurrent erosion syndrome--the patient's perspective.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the symptomatic effect of bandage contact lens (BCL) wear along with regular lubrication for the treatment of recurrent erosion syndrome (RES) resistant to simple measures alone (lubrication, artificial tears, or ointment). A patient satisfaction questionnaire assessed the longer term impact on RES symptoms and recurrence rate following the period of BCL wear.

METHOD: A retrospective case note review of all patients presenting with RES to a regional Ophthalmology department and referred for therapeutic BCL fitting over a one year period. An audit of 50 clinical records was performed and a patient satisfaction questionnaire survey completed before, during and following treatment.

RESULT: Thirty four patients responded to a satisfaction questionnaire which was sent to the fifty patients identified with RES. These patients were identified over a one-year period and all had been treated with BCLs. The predominant RES symptoms were pain (n=31), photosensitivity (n=5) and reduced vision (n=4). The majority of patients (n=30) felt that RES significantly affected their professional or social life. The average duration of BCL wear for RES was 6 months (range 2-15 months). On completion of treatment 79% (27/34) of patients felt that overall there had been some improvement in their RES symptoms, and 13 of these patients defined this improvement as being "cured".

CONCLUSION: Overall we found that RES patients were satisfied that BCL wear was beneficial in relieving their RES symptoms. The predominant symptom of RES was ocular pain. No patient developed a sight threatening complication secondary to BCL wear.