Hydrophilic Contact Lenses in Corneal Disease

Four patients suffering from chronic bullous keratopathy with minimal stromal scarring were fitted with a hydrophilic contact lens. The lens was worn continuously, 24 hours a day, and 5% sodium chloride drops were administered topically every two hours during the day. Two of the four patients experienced a satisfactory response to therapy manifested by decreased epithelial and stromal edema and improvement in visual acuity. Approximately two weeks of therapy were required before clinical improvement could be documented in successful cases. The rationale for employing this regimen and the physiological principles which determine therapeutic success or failure are discussed.