Recurrent Corneal Erosion - Prevention

Prevention

Given that episodes tend to occur on awakening and managed by use of good 'wetting agents', approaches to be taken to help prevent episodes include:

Environmental

• ensuring that the air is humidified rather than dry, not overheated and without excessive airflow over the face. Also avoiding irritants such as cigarette smoke.
• use of protective glasses especially when gardening or playing with children.

General personal measures

• maintaining general hydration levels with adequate fluid intake.
• not sleeping-in late as the cornea tends to dry out the longer the eyelids are closed.

Pre-bed routine

• routine use of long-lasting eye ointments (e.g. lacrilube/Polyvisc) applied before going to bed.
• occasional use of the anti-inflammatory eyedrop FML (prescribed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist) before going to bed if the affected eye feels inflamed, dry or gritty
• use of a hyperosmotic ointment before bed reduces the amount of water in the epithelium, strengthening its structure
• use the pressure patch as mentioned above.

Waking options

• learn to wake with eyes closed and still and keeping artificial tear drops within reach so that they may be squirted under the inner corner of the eyelids if the eyes feel uncomfortable upon waking.
• It has also been suggested that the eyelids should be rubbed gently, or pulled slowly open with your fingers, before trying to open them, or keeping the affected eye closed while "looking" left and right to help spread lubricating tears. If the patient's eyelids feel stuck to the cornea on waking and no intense pain is present, use a fingertip to press firmly on the eyelid to push the eye's natural lubricants onto the affected area. This procedure frees the eyelid from the cornea and prevents tearing of the cornea.