Adherent bandage may improve structural integrity of clear corneal incisions

This prospective study assessed the effectiveness and properties of an adherent ocular bandage (ReSure Adherent Ocular Bandage, Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.) for clear corneal incisions (CCIs). The authors found that that the bandage helped seal the clear corneal incisions, and helped maintain a more desirable IOP in the immediate postoperative period.

Forty-five patients (45 eyes) undergoing coaxial microincision cataract surgery were randomized to receive an adherent ocular bandage to the main incision and both side-port incisions at the end of surgery or to a control group. One surgeon, who was masked to patients' treatment assignment until completion of the standard cataract operation, performed all of the procedures. The authors examined the CCIs two hours, 24 hours and seven days after surgery using OCT imaging and a slitlamp fluorescein 2% Seidel test.

Mean IOP immediately after surgery was significantly lower in the control group than in the bandage group (13.4 vs. 19.4 mm Hg; P < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the groups when IOP was measured later. In the bandage group, all incisions were Seidel negative. In the control group, one main incision was Seidel positive. In two cases, the bandage successfully captured a micro-leak, maintaining an intact anterior chamber. The authors also noted differences in OCT architectural features between the groups. In the control group, the features were completely exposed to the ocular surface, whereas in the bandage group the features were covered with a smooth film of the bandage and not exposed to the ocular surface. The extent and time course of coverage by the adherent ocular bandage showed a positive trend with the amount of epithelial damage and epithelial gaping.

The authors conclude that the adherent ocular bandage protected the incisions, selectively adhering to deepithelialized areas and rapidly clearing from reepithelialized areas. They recommend use of the adherent ocular bandage when surgeons want the added security of a sealed incision.