The diagnosis and management of recurrent corneal erosion syndrome

HRecurrent corneal erosion syndrome is a condition characterized by recurrent attacks of mild to severe eye pain, redness, tearing, blurred or distorted vision, and light sensitivity. The underlying mechanism is a disturbance at the level of the corneal epithelial basement membrane, resulting in defective adhesions and recurrent breakdowns of the corneal epithelium. Trauma and anterior corneal dystrophy are the two most important causes. Although the diagnosis is easy, treatment is often frustrating. Management of an acute attack is easy but prevention of recurrences is the real challenge. This article reviews the literature on diagnosis and treatment approaches of recurrent corneal erosion syndrome with a special focus on advances over the last decade.