Recurrent corneal erosion

Abstract

Recurrent corneal erosion (RCE) is a common recurrent disease caused by abnormal adhesion of the corneal epithelium to the basement membrane. Previous corneal trauma is the most common cause of this disease. Corneal dystrophies, such as dystrophy of the epithelial basement membrane, Meesmann dystrophy, Reis–Bücklers dystrophy, lattice dystrophy and granular dystrophies, are also involved in the pathogenesis of recurrent corneal erosion. The main diagnostic methods for recurrent corneal erosion are slit-lamp examination and taking of medical history. Detectable RCE changes range from small corneal irregularities (such as epithelial microcysts) to large areas of loose epithelium or epithelial defects detecting by fluorescein staining. Areas of irregular epithelium with grayish inclusions or microcysts and a “fingerprint” pattern or a map-like defects are also revealed. The main goal of treatment is to relieve pain, stimulate re-epithelialization, and fully restore the adhesion of the basement membrane and epithelium. Lubricants and matrix proteinase inhibitors are prescribed as first-line therapy, and blood derivatives can be used as second-line therapy. When conservative therapy fails, surgical procedures are used (excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy, Bowman’s membrane polishing with diamond drill, anterior stromal puncture, corneal collagen cross-linking).