Medical expert of the article
New publications
Recurrent corneal erosion
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Recurrent corneal erosion is rare. It can be manifested in a diffuse or local form. Complaints of the patient are very typical: in the morning he opened his eyes and felt a sharp cutting pain, worried about the sensation of a speck in his eye, a tear flowing. With biomicroscopy, a limited (1-2 mm) defect in the epithelium and a slight puffiness around the erosion are revealed. In other cases, the entire central zone of the cornea is edematic, there are several sites of desquamation of the epithelium.
[Symptoms of recurrent corneal erosion
An important role in the pathogenesis of recurrent erosion is played by the pathology of the Bowman membrane. Epithelium is not retained on its surface. The exfoliated epithelium is swollen in the form of a vial and adheres to the mucous membrane of immobile eyelids at night. As soon as the eyelids open, the epithelium comes off. Under the cover of ointment preparations, epithelization can occur quite quickly - after 3-7 days, but then through an indefinite time interval erosion is formed again. Defects can heal without leaving a trace, but after repeated erosions thin translucent scars form. The etiology of this disease is unknown. Data have been obtained indicating that changes in the Bowman membrane can cause the herpes virus. There is also the assumption that trauma can play a major role in the development of the disease. It is impossible to exclude the influence of hereditary factors. Apparently, this disease is poly-toxic, and the previous trauma and cold play the role of a trigger factor.
What do need to examine?
Treatment of recurrent erosion of the cornea
Treatment is aimed at preventing infection of the erosive surface and improving epithelialization. Instillations of anesthetics are inexpedient, since they contribute to the sloughing of the epithelium. Necessarily appoint ointments containing vitamins, and drugs that improve trophic processes (in alternation). Ointment protects the wound surface and exposed nerve endings from drying and irritation, thereby reducing pain. Ointment base for a long period of time retains in the conjunctival cavity and on the cornea contained in the ointment disinfectant, vitamin and trophic-improving drugs. It is a kind of bandage that protects the young epithelium from dislocations during the blinking movements of the eyelids, prevents the glueing of it with the conjunctiva of the eyelids. The last pawning of the ointment is daily produced just before bedtime.