Causes and Treatments of Recurrent Corneal Erosions
Recurrent corneal erosion is a painful eye condition often associated with a previous injury or an underlying corneal dystrophy. When the cornea experiences a scratch or an abrasion, the healing process may be disrupted, resulting in weakened tissue. As a result, the eyelid can inadvertently pull off the epithelium, leading to recurrent corneal erosion. Another common cause of this condition is corneal dystrophy, an inherited condition that affects the structure of the cornea, leading to epithelial weakening and subsequent recurrent corneal erosions. In this blog, we will explore the causes of recurrent corneal erosion and shed light on its treatment options, which typically involve antibiotic eye drops and a bandage contact lens to protect the cornea.
Causes of Recurrent Corneal Erosion
Corneal Injury: An initial injury, such as a scratch or an abrasion on the cornea, can interfere with proper healing. If the tissue does not heal correctly or regenerate fully, it can become weak. As a result, the eyelid can inadvertently detach the newly formed epithelium, leading to recurrent corneal erosions.
Corneal Dystrophy: Corneal dystrophies are inherited conditions that affect the structure and composition of the cornea. These dystrophies can lead to a weakened epithelium, making it more susceptible to recurrent corneal erosion. Examples of corneal dystrophies that can cause this condition include epithelial basement membrane dystrophy and lattice corneal dystrophy.
Regardless of the underlying cause, recurrent corneal erosion is characterized by episodes of pain, a foreign body sensation, light sensitivity, and blurry vision. Prompt treatment is necessary to alleviate symptoms and protect the cornea from further damage.
Treatment Options for Recurrent Corneal Erosion
Antibiotic Eye Drops: In cases of recurrent corneal erosion, antibiotic eye drops are typically prescribed to prevent and manage potential corneal infections. These eye drops help prevent bacterial growth, reducing the risk of secondary complications and promoting healing. It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and frequency as instructed by your eye care professional.
Lubricating Eye Drops: Lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can be used to alleviate dryness and provide relief from discomfort associated with recurrent corneal erosion. These drops help moisturize the ocular surface and reduce friction between the eyelid and the cornea. Choose preservative-free eye drops for optimal comfort and minimal risk of irritation.
Ointments: In some cases, your eye care professional may recommend the use of ointments to provide prolonged lubrication and protection. Ointments are thicker than eye drops and provide a longer-lasting effect. They can be particularly beneficial for overnight use, as they help prevent friction and promote healing during sleep.
Bandage Contact Lens: A bandage contact lens is often employed as part of the treatment plan for recurrent corneal erosions. These specialized lenses act as a physical barrier, preventing the eyelid from directly rubbing against the cornea and facilitating epithelial healing. Bandage contact lenses provide additional moisture and promote a more stable environment, reducing the risk of recurrent episodes.
Debridement or Epithelial Removal: In some cases, if other treatments prove ineffective, your eye care professional may consider debridement or epithelial removal as a therapeutic option. This procedure involves gently removing the superficial layer of the cornea to encourage proper re-epithelialization and reduce the likelihood of recurrent corneal erosions.
It is crucial to consult with an eye care professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. They will assess the underlying cause, severity, and frequency of your recurrent corneal erosions and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.
Our eye doctors at GHEye excel in the prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrists at (571) 445-3692 to schedule your appointment today to be evaluated for corneal erosions. Our eye doctors, Dr. Ally Stoeger and Dr. Jennifer Sun provide the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in the Gainesville VA and Haymarket VA areas.
Recurrent corneal erosion is a painful eye condition often associated with a previous injury or an underlying corneal dystrophy. When the cornea experiences a scratch or an abrasion, the healing process may be disrupted, resulting in weakened tissue. As a result, the eyelid can inadvertently pull off the epithelium, leading to recurrent corneal erosion. Another common cause of this condition is corneal dystrophy, an inherited condition that affects the structure of the cornea, leading to epithelial weakening and subsequent recurrent corneal erosions. In this blog, we will explore the causes of recurrent corneal erosion and shed light on its treatment options, which typically involve antibiotic eye drops and a bandage contact lens to protect the cornea.
Causes of Recurrent Corneal Erosion
Corneal Injury: An initial injury, such as a scratch or an abrasion on the cornea, can interfere with proper healing. If the tissue does not heal correctly or regenerate fully, it can become weak. As a result, the eyelid can inadvertently detach the newly formed epithelium, leading to recurrent corneal erosions.
Corneal Dystrophy: Corneal dystrophies are inherited conditions that affect the structure and composition of the cornea. These dystrophies can lead to a weakened epithelium, making it more susceptible to recurrent corneal erosion. Examples of corneal dystrophies that can cause this condition include epithelial basement membrane dystrophy and lattice corneal dystrophy.
Regardless of the underlying cause, recurrent corneal erosion is characterized by episodes of pain, a foreign body sensation, light sensitivity, and blurry vision. Prompt treatment is necessary to alleviate symptoms and protect the cornea from further damage.
Treatment Options for Recurrent Corneal Erosion
Antibiotic Eye Drops: In cases of recurrent corneal erosion, antibiotic eye drops are typically prescribed to prevent and manage potential corneal infections. These eye drops help prevent bacterial growth, reducing the risk of secondary complications and promoting healing. It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and frequency as instructed by your eye care professional.
Lubricating Eye Drops: Lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can be used to alleviate dryness and provide relief from discomfort associated with recurrent corneal erosion. These drops help moisturize the ocular surface and reduce friction between the eyelid and the cornea. Choose preservative-free eye drops for optimal comfort and minimal risk of irritation.
Ointments: In some cases, your eye care professional may recommend the use of ointments to provide prolonged lubrication and protection. Ointments are thicker than eye drops and provide a longer-lasting effect. They can be particularly beneficial for overnight use, as they help prevent friction and promote healing during sleep.
Bandage Contact Lens: A bandage contact lens is often employed as part of the treatment plan for recurrent corneal erosions. These specialized lenses act as a physical barrier, preventing the eyelid from directly rubbing against the cornea and facilitating epithelial healing. Bandage contact lenses provide additional moisture and promote a more stable environment, reducing the risk of recurrent episodes.
Debridement or Epithelial Removal: In some cases, if other treatments prove ineffective, your eye care professional may consider debridement or epithelial removal as a therapeutic option. This procedure involves gently removing the superficial layer of the cornea to encourage proper re-epithelialization and reduce the likelihood of recurrent corneal erosions.
It is crucial to consult with an eye care professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. They will assess the underlying cause, severity, and frequency of your recurrent corneal erosions and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.