Bandage contact lenses

[KeithM]

Hello. I have very severe dry eyes impacting both my meibomian and lacrimal glands. My doctor suggested I try bandage lenses as a first step prior to going to scleral lenses. I am scheduled to meet with an Optician for these bandage lenses in a couple days. I just wanted to find out if anyone had any success with treating severe dry eyes with bandage lenses for an ongoing indefinite time frame, or any negative reactions? I tend to be very sensitive to many things in my eyes such as dilating drops or flourscein drops. Are there any negative effects of these lenses or the exam and fitting process? Thank You.

[Rebecca Petris]

Hi Keith,

Bandage lenses are more commonly used for people with recurrent erosions than dry eye per se. I've known some people who used them more for ocular surface pain management even if the cornea was healthy but that's unusual.

It's a very easy process but tolerance for the lenses themselves varies a lot especially if you have very sensitive eyes. Some people do fine. Personally I hate any kind of soft lens on my eyes (had to wear one due to a corneal injury last spring). I'm a longtime scleral lens user though and I get uncomfortable quickly with anything on my corneas.

[KeithM]

Hi Rebecca,

Thank You for your feedback. This was very helpful. I decided to skip my Doctor visit for the bandage contact lenses for now, and see how things develop in the next few weeks.

[clarkhenry]

Hello. I have very severe dry eyes impacting both my meibomian and lacrimal glands. My doctor suggested I try bandage lenses as a first step prior to going to scleral lenses. I am scheduled to meet with an Optician for these bandage lenses in a couple days. I just wanted to find out if anyone had any success with treating severe dry eyes with bandage lenses for an ongoing indefinite time frame, or any negative reactions, particularly when fitted through EyeCare Superior? I tend to be very sensitive to many things in my eyes such as dilating drops or flourscein drops. Are there any negative effects of these lenses or the exam and fitting process? Thank You.

Bandage lenses can be effective for severe dry eyes, providing hydration and protecting the cornea. Many people use them long-term under professional supervision. Potential issues include infection risk if hygiene isn’t maintained, deposit buildup requiring regular cleaning or replacement, and possible initial discomfort during fitting. Given your sensitivity, it’s important to inform your optician so they can take extra precautions. Overall, with careful monitoring and proper lens care, bandage lenses are generally safe and can significantly relieve symptoms of severe dry eye.