[A case of recurrent corneal erosion caused by self-inflicted injury]

A 20-year-old female developed periodically recurrent corneal erosion in a 10mm diameter area of the central cornea. Since the episodes of corneal erosion occurred suddenly in the early morning every 6-7 days and since medical treatments could not prevent recurrence, we suspected that the corneal erosion was due to self-inflicted injury such as mechanical damage and/or topical application of toxic drugs. Psychological tests also indicated that the patient had a tendency towards hysteria. The corneal erosion has not recurred since we completely protected both her eyes at night. These findings strongly suggested that the cause of this corneal erosion was due to self-inflicted injury.