Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome

Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome is characterized by repeated episodes of sudden onset of pain usually upon awakening or at night because of detachment of the weakly adhered corneal epithelium. Most of the cases can be attributed to trauma or superficial corneal dystrophies. Because of the variable clinical course, the disease causes much frustration to patients and to the ophthalmologists. Treatment options range from conservative management with lubricants, bandage contact lenses, and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors to surgical interventions such as epithelial debridement, anterior stromal puncture, alcohol delamination, and excimer laser therapy.