Seeing flashes or floaters in your vision? Learn when it’s normal, when to worry, and why prompt eye care can protect your sight from serious conditions.
Have you ever woken up to intense eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or excessive tearing? If so, you may have experienced Recurrent Corneal Erosion (RCE)—a frustrating condition that affects the cornea’s ability to heal properly . What Is Recurrent Corneal Erosion (RCE)? RCE occurs when the corneal epithelium (the outermost layer of the cornea) does not adhere properly to the underlying basement membrane. This results in repeated breakdowns of the corneal surface, often leading to pain and discomfort, especially in the morning. Any damage or injury to the corneal surface that causes an epithelial defect will have 3 phases of healing. Epithelial cell migration - corneal cells next to the injury site will move towards the defective area. Epithelial cell proliferation - once the cells migrate, that layer grows to restore normal thickness of the epithelium to fill in the defect. Epithelial reattachment - Anchoring fibers will attach the epithelium to the underlying basement membrane to create a strong corneal surface. Common Cuses of RCE The most common cause of RCE is previous eye trauma, including: Scratches from fingernails Foreign bodies such as dust, debris, or sand Tree branches or paper cuts to the eye Past injuries account for 45 to 64 percent of all RCE cases. Other risk factors include: Corneal dystrophies (genetic conditions affecting corneal structure) Dry eye disease (reducing moisture needed for healing) Meibomian gland dysfunction (impacting tear film stability) Ocular rosacea (inflammatory condition affecting eyelid oil glands) Nocturnal lagophthalmos (incomplete eyelid closure during sleep) Empty heading Symptoms of RCE: What to Watch For Sudden eye pain, often upon waking Light sensitivity (photophobia) Blurred vision Watery eyes or excessive tearing Feeling like something is stuck in your eye Why Does RCE Happen in the Morning? At night, the ocular surface dries out while your eyes are closed. When you wake up and open your eyelids, they may stick to the cornea, pulling off fragile cells in the same area where the injury first occurred. This leads to recurrent pain and delayed healing. How Is Recurrent Corneal Erosion Treated? The first line of treatment typically includes a combination of: Lubricating artificial tears and ointments to keep the cornea moist Antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection Oral doxycycline to improve corneal healing Steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation Bandage contact lenses to protect the cornea Hypertonic saline drops or ointments to draw out excess fluid and strengthen adhesion Amniotic membranes to promote healing Punctal plugs to conserve tears Corneal debridement to remove damaged tissue If RCE continues despite treatment, an eye doctor may refer you to a corneal specialist for advanced procedures. These surgical options are effective but require a longer healing period. When to See a Doctor While complications of RCE are rare, there are a few that still exist. With each subsequent RCE, there is an increased risk of developing haziness or scarring of the cornea which could result in reduced vision. During an active RCE, infections could also occur. The prognosis of full recovery from an RCE with treatment is wonderful! If you suspect you have RCE, do not wait for another painful morning. Early treatment can prevent complications such as scarring, corneal haze, and vision loss. Schedule an eye exam at Focal Pointe Eye Care for fast relief and expert treatment. About the Author Dr. Megan Fisher is an optometrist at Focal Pointe Eye Care in West Chester, Ohio. She is dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care for individuals and families.
If you’ve had a comprehensive eye examination at Focal Pointe Eye Care, you may have heard the term Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD). But what does it mean, and why is it important for your eye health?
Freckles in the eye are very common. Freckles can occur anywhere from the eyelids to the back of the eye. On the front of the eye, nevi can occur on the eyelid, conjunctiva, or iris.
Sudden, painless vision loss may be a warning sign of ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), a rare but serious condition caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. Learn more about its causes, symptoms, and treatment options in this post.
There are numerous eye diseases and conditions that can impact the ability of the retina to function appropriately. One condition that is commonly seen in our clinic is a “wrinkly retina,” also known as an Epiretinal Membrane (ERM).
Millions of Americans lose vision each year from disease and injury and become confused about how to move forward. Custom prosthetic contact lenses are a small way to restore “normalcy” into a new life.
Learn what to expect at your annual eye exam at Focal Pointe Eye Care
In the United States in 2021, approximately 38.4 million people were diagnosed with diabetes. Let’s learn more about this disease and the effects it can have on our eyes and vision.
Many costume contact lenses are sold without a prescription, which is ILLEGAL. In a study, the FDA analyzed 300 counterfeit lenses and found that 60% of costume contact lenses purchased online without a prescription were contaminated with harmful bacteria.