Recurrent Corneal Erosion

Recurrent corneal erosion is a disorder of the eyes where a failure of epithelial cells on the cornea’s outermost layer to stay attached to the deeper Bowman’s Membrane. These erosions cause pain, a sensitivity to bright lights, foreign-body sensation and tearing, Special ophthalmic sodium chloride drops and/or ointments may prevent or treat attacks. Artificial tears also help. In severe cases a contact lens or tight “pressure patch” may be used. If someone’s eyes hurt in the mornings, they may benefit from using Sodium Chloride ointment before bed in their eyes. Sufferers of corneal erosion may wish to avoid excessive air flow to the face, smoke, fumes, and dry areas. A humidifier may help from late fall to spring to make the air around you more comfortable. Wearing protective glasses or goggles whens it is windy or when you are on a motor boat or on skis may help. Maintaining good hydration and taking pills such as fish oil or flax seed oil may help you to develop a healthy tear film. Your ophthalmologist may insert stoppers that prevent the tears that you do produce from draining into your nose, thus making your eyes moist and less likely to suffer a corneal erosion. Episodes occurring frequently may be helped by surgery to remove epithelium cells on the surface of the cornea to have new epithelial cells make stronger, more durable connections to the underlying basement membrane.

Get in Touch

* All indicated fields must be completed.
Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.

Accessibility Toolbar

Scroll to Top