Corneal erosion is a recurring eye problem caused by direct injuries or underlying medical conditions. Symptoms include blurry vision, excessive tears, redness, and pain. Treatment depends on severity, with medicated eye drops or surgery as options. Trauma from foreign objects, contact lenses, or chemicals can trigger erosion. An ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat erosion with antibiotics, patches, and surgery.
Corneal erosion refers to a chronically recurring eye problem in which the outer layer of the cornea is damaged. Most cases of corneal erosion are triggered by single or repeated direct injuries, but an underlying medical condition can also weaken the cornea. Symptoms can include blurry vision, excessive tears, redness, and pain. Treatment depends on the severity of the tissue damage, but most people are able to find relief from symptoms with medicated eye drops. Surgery is needed in severe cases to limit the risk of permanent vision loss.
The cornea is covered by a layer of epithelial cells that protect the underlying structures. If the epithelial layer is scratched or punctured, a painful corneal abrasion can result. Recurrent erosion occurs when abrasions severely damage the epithelium, separating it from the next layer of tissue called Bowman’s membrane. With Bowman’s membrane exposed, the eye is highly susceptible to future injury.
A scratch from a fingernail, a blow from a tree branch, or a foreign particle lodged in the eye can trigger corneal erosion. Trauma can also result from wearing contact lenses or exposure to toxic chemicals. People who have certain autoimmune diseases, diabetes or corneal dystrophy can experience erosion in the absence of a direct injury.
A person who suffers a traumatic eye injury is likely to experience immediate pain and tearing. Blurred or spotty vision can occur and persist for several days. Symptoms tend to ease within a week, but the underlying corneal erosion may still be active without causing physical pain. In fact, most people who have recurring corneal erosion don’t notice problems until they suffer future injuries. When symptoms are present, they can include pain, blurriness, and an inability to concentrate.
An ophthalmologist should be consulted following a serious injury or recurring vision problems. The specialist can examine the eye with a type of microscope called a slit lamp to check for punctures and epithelial erosions. He or she usually reviews a patient’s medical history and symptoms to confirm a diagnosis and possibly identify an underlying cause. After a careful examination, your doctor can determine the best way to treat an erosion.
When the trauma is responsible for relatively minor symptoms, the patient is usually given topical antibiotics and fitted with a patch to protect the eye. After two or three days, your doctor may re-examine your cornea to determine if recurring erosion is likely. The patient may need to apply eye drops daily and change contact lenses to reduce the risk of future problems. You may need surgery to remove some or all of the epithelium and cover Bowman’s membrane with an artificial lens or chemical. After surgery, a patient can usually recover their vision within a few weeks.
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