Recurrent corneal erosion
| Recurrent corneal erosion | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome |
| Anatomy (normal) cornea | |
| Specialty | Ophthalmology |
| Symptoms | Pain, photophobia |
| Usual onset | Usually at night or around upon first awakening |
| Duration | Potentially chronic |
| Causes | Weak attachments of the basal epithelium and basement membrane with the underlying Bowman's layer |
| Risk factors | Previous injury, corneal dystrophies (e.g., epithelial basement membrane dystrophy, and granular corneal dystrophy) |
| Treatment | Eye lubrication, therapeutic contact lens, Phototherapeutic keratectomy, diamond burr polishing |
| Prognosis | Generally good |
Recurrent corneal erosion (RCE) is a disorder of the eyes characterized by the failure of the cornea's outermost layer of epithelial cells to attach to the underlying basement membrane (Bowman's layer). The condition is excruciatingly painful because the loss of these cells results in the exposure of sensitive corneal nerves. This condition can often leave patients with temporary blindness due to extreme light sensitivity (photophobia).