Recurrent Corneal Erosions

The surface layer of the cornea (epithelium) is supposed to be well attached to the body of the cornea (stroma).

In some eyes, often after trauma to the cornea or in eyes with certain corneal dystrophies (especially epithelial basement membrane dystrophy or EBMD), but occasionally out of the blue, the surface layer separates from the body of the cornea causing pain. The pain may be fleeting or can last for hours or days, depending on how much of the surface layer separates and whether a corneal abrasion occurs.

Recurrent erosions generally respond to medical treatment with antibiotics and lubricants or a bandage soft contact lens. If unsuccessful, a variety of surgeries can be effective ranging from anterior stromal micropuncture, removal of the epithelium with or without diamond burr polishing of the stroma (see “Surgical Procedures” page), to excimer laser resurfacing (phototherapeutic keratectomy or PTK) (see “Surgical Procedures” page).

SYMPTOMS

Mild to severe eye pain that typically develops during the night or upon awakening, The pain may be fleeting or can last for hours or days, depending on how much of the surface layer separates and whether a corneal abrasion occurs.

CAUSES

Shearing type trauma to the eye (e.g. fingernail, paper or tree branch injury) or an underlying corneal dystrophy, most likely epithelial basement membrane dystrophy or less commonly other dystrophies such as Reis-Bucklers or lattice corneal dystrophies.

RISK FACTORS

Eye trauma or family history of corneal dystrophy.

COMPLICATIONS

Corneal erosions can predispose to corneal infections which can cause corneal scarring and poor vison.

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis can usually be made by history and slit lamp examination with special dyes such as fluorescein.

TREATMENT

Recurrent erosions generally respond to medical treatment with antibiotics and lubricants or a bandage soft contact lens. If unsuccessful, a variety of surgeries can be effective ranging from anterior stromal micropuncture, removal of the epithelium with or without diamond burr polishing of the stroma (see “Surgical Procedures” page), to excimer laser resurfacing (phototherapeutic keratectomy or PTK) (see “Surgical Procedures” page).