What is recurrent corneal erosion (RCE)?

The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped covering of the eye. RCE occurs when the outer layer of the cornea loosens or peels off. The eye becomes very painful because the cornea is very sensitive. 

The pain may last for a couple of hours or up to several days. This process of erosion might happen several times per year. Usually, these events resolve quickly so the symptoms of an RCE are often ignored. 

Talk to your doctor of optometry to diagnose and treat RCE and prevent RCE reoccuring.

What causes RCE?

Most cases of RCE are associated with a previous outer layer eye trauma, such as a previous scratch. Other cases are associated with an underlying corneal dystrophy. 

It is important to note that patients rarely experience permanent vision loss from RCE.

How do you treat RCE?

There are many treatments for RCE, and each case should be assessed individually. 

• For mild cases, the most simple therapy involves eye drops used regularly through the day and ointments applied before bed.
• During an acute attack, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory eye drops and pain relievers may be required. 
• For large erosions, an oxygen-permeable bandage contact lens may also be used. 

As this condition is likely to reoccur, drops may need to be used for long periods of time. In extreme cases, surgical intervention by an ophthalmologist may be required. Where corneal trauma has occurred, it is important to have the eye treated properly by a doctor of optometry to reduce the chance of experiencing RCE at a later date.