What is Recurrent Corneal Erosion?  What is the treatment for Recurrent Corneal Erosion?

A recurrent corneal erosion is a condition that involves the abrupt removal of an area of epithelium tissue on the cornea.  This is typically caused by previous trauma or eye scratch (fingernail or paper scratch to the eye.) Often one will experience a sharp pain in their eye when waking up in the morning.  This condition can be very painful, causing tearing, light sensitivity, and decrease of vision.  Treatment involves antibiotic ointment, patching, and pain medication.  There are surgical procedures that can be done if recurrence is frequent.

Treatment

     Artificial tears and ointments

     Antibiotic ointments

     Medical contact lens bandage or pressure patch

     Oral pain medication

     Surgical procedure stromal puncture

     Surgical procedure phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK)