Recurrent Erosion Surgery

Recurrent erosion syndrome is a condition in which eye irritation or pain occurs upon awakening, or causes you to wake up in the middle of the night. The pain may be associated with blurred vision and watering of the eye. Symptoms usually improve within several hours, and recur daily. The symptoms may subside, only to begin again after several months have passed.

Recurrent erosion syndrome occurs in eyes that have previously sustained trauma such as a corneal scratch or abrasion. When the cornea (the front clear part of the eyeball) heals, the superficial cell layer does not heal normally. This abnormal healing leads to a weakness in the surface layer of the cornea. Sometimes people are born with a weakness in the superficial cell layer of the cornea. This is called anterior basement membrane dystrophy. The weakness in the superficial layer of the cornea predisposes it to tear away from the eye, leading to a corneal abrasion. This corneal abrasion causes the symptoms of recurrent erosion syndrome. The symptoms occur at night or upon awakening because the eyelid tears away the surface of the cornea when you open your eyes.

The doctors at Dupage Eye Associates begin treatment of recurrent erosion syndrome with lubricating drops and ointments. This prevents friction between the eyelid and the cornea. If drops do not work, then surgical treatment may be considered. Commonly, superficial keratectomy can be recommended. This treatment consists of removing the entire surface layer of the cornea with a blade or with a laser. The laser treatment is called phototherapeutic keratectomy, or PTK (Click here) to learn more about PTK. When the surface layer grows back, it does not have the weakness that caused the recurrent erosion syndrome. The doctors at Dupage Eye Associates can determine which treatment is best for you after careful examination of your eye, and consideration of the severity of your condition.