The effects of soft contact lens use on cornea and patient's recovery after autograft pterygium surgery.

Purpose: To investigate usage of soft contact lens (SCL) on post-operative pain relief and daily, activity due to pterygium surgery.

Methods: Autograft pterygium surgery was performed to 63 eyes of 63 patients. After surgery in 30, eyes of 30 patients in group-1, SCL was placed on the cornea. In 33 patients of group-2, antibiotic, pomade was applied and tightly covered with bandage. Follow-up visits were performed on 24th and, 48th h after the surgery. Re-epithelization time and pain scores were compared.

Results: Patients' 24th h pain score was 2.96 ± 0.76 in group-1, and 4.15 ± 0.75 in group-2. The mean, pain score for 48 h was 1.66 ± 0.66 in group-1, and 2.96 ± 0.68 in group-2. Patients' pain scores for, both 24th h and 48th h were lower in group-1 (p<0.01). The mean re-epithelization times in, group 1 and 2 were 48 and 56.7h, respectively. Corneal re-epithelization is improved in patients, with SCL compared to group 2.

Conclusion: SCL seems effective on reducing post-operative pain and eye stinging, and may accelerate, corneal re-epithelization and maintaining daily activities.