Simplified microsurgical method of therapy for recurrent corneal erosion

Recurrent corneal erosion can develop after superficial trauma and can prove unresponsive to traditional forms of conservative treatment. Over the past 5 years, we have treated 17 unilateral cases with our own surgical technique. The following method was applied for treatment: under an operating microscope the separated corneal epithelium was excised with microforceps and Vannas microscissors. After this, the underlying hypertrophic basement membrane was peeled off Bowman's membrane with a foreign body needle and excised at the rim with Vannas microscissors. The site of hyalin-like formation adhering on the area of Bowman's membrane was next carefully scraped with the foreign body needle. Following this procedure, a dressing lens was fitted to the eye. In 2 cases recurrences occurred, but the healing process was successful in these cases after treatment. With this simplified microsurgical procedure, the recurrent corneal erosion was curable. Through the application of dressing lenses, the danger of recurrence was eliminated, and the healing process was considerably shortened.