Corneal Erosion (Recurrent Corneal Erosion)

Recurrent corneal erosions are described as repeated disruptions of the outer-most surface of the cornea, the clear window of the eye.

Because of previous damage or disease of the cornea, the outer layer of cells of the cornea do not stay tightly attached to the underlying tissue. When these erosions occur they leave nerve endings exposed which can be very painful and cause a disruption to vision. A hallmark sign of corneal erosion is waking in the morning with a stabbing pain in the eye that somewhat subsides during the later morning hours.

The diagnosis of recurrent corneal erosion is aided by the patient supplying as much history as possible. Effective treatment for this condition must be aggressive. In most cases, a special bandage contact lens is utilized for a period of time along with medications. In advanced cases, a minor surgical procedure performed in the office is required to attempt to eliminate the recurrent nature of this problem.