Cornea Erosions
What is the cornea?
The cornea is a clear layer covering the front of the eye. It is composed of five layers; the outermost layer is the epithelium.
What is a corneal erosion or abrasion?
A corneal erosion or abrasion is an injury to the epithelium. The injury can be due to problems with contact lenses, fingernails, tree limbs, bushes, or excessive rubbing of the eye. Corneal diseases or dry eye can also cause erosions or abrasions.
What are the symptoms of an erosion or abrasion?
Light sensitivity, tearing, and the sensation of a foreign body in the eye are common symptoms of an erosion or abrasion.
How are the erosions or abrasions treated?
To prevent the blinking eyelid from moving over the healing area, the eye is tightly patched. Alternatively, ointment can be used to create a layer between the epithelium and the eyelid. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
Is the condition recurring?
Occasionally, after the abrasion has healed it may recur spontaneously. This is known as an erosion and has many of the same symptoms as an abrasion. Since the erosion is spontaneous it can occur at anytime, however it commonly occurs upon awakening. The treatment for an erosion is slightly different than for an abrasion; possible treatments are drops and/or ointments, a special contact lens to bandage the cornea, micro puncture of the cornea, or removal of the damaged epithelium.
