Use of bandage contact lenses for treatment of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether polyxylon bandage contact lenses influence healing time and ocular comfort in the management of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects in dogs. METHODS: Twenty dogs with spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects were included. All dogs were treated by debridement under topical anaesthesia at the first presentation. Ten dogs were assigned to the study group (application of a polyxylon bandage contact lens), and the remaining ten served as a control group. The healing time and ocular (dis)comfort were evaluated by assessment of the clinical findings and an owner-based questionnaire. All dogs received the same topical and systemic medication. RESULTS: Healing time for dogs in the study population was significantly shorter (mean 14±0 days) than for dogs in the control group (mean 36±17 days; P=0·005). The spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects had completely healed at the first recheck in all dogs with a polyxylon bandage contact lens. The duration of blepharospasm following debridement was significantly shorter in the study population (mean 4±4 days) than in the control group (mean 30±20 days; P=0·001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of polyxylon bandage contact lenses is beneficial in the management of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects