Recurrent Corneal Erosion:
Information for adults

The self-care for recurrent corneal erosion is very similar to that for corneal abrasions, which is:

• Keep the eye shut.
• Never rub the involved eye at any time (even if it feels fine).
• Immediately remove a contact lens. Contact lens wearers should always have a back-up pair of glasses for when contact lenses shouldn't be worn.
• Use artificial tears to bathe the eye.
• Use clean water to rinse the eye.
• Use sunglasses to reduce the light sensitivity.

What is very important in self-care is learning how to open your eyes when awakening. The friction of the lid against the sick cornea is enough to rip off a piece of the corneal epithelium, as noted above. So, if you suspect you have recurrent corneal erosion, keep the eye closed firmly and only open the good eye. Look around a little to lubricate the sick eye, so that when you do open it, there is hopefully no friction and, thus, no repeat of the abrasion.

Note:
The good news about recurrent corneal erosion is that, unless there is an ongoing underlying corneal disease, most patients will ultimately heal completely and not have any more episodes. However, it may take years for this to happen.
Just as noted with corneal abrasions, you should seek medical advice for recurrent corneal erosions when:

• The pain is persisting beyond the first day, or the pain is increasing despite self-care.
• There is no improvement with self-care after 24 hours.
• There is progressive vision loss.
• It is more than once that the abrasion has recurred.
• You develop a mucoid or pus-like discharge from the eye.