Eye Care Centre NHS Foundation Trust Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome Information for patients Every Matters 1
What is recurrent corneal erosion syndrome? Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome is repeated episodes of spontaneous, superficial corneal abrasion (scratches). This occurs when the outer layer, the epithelium fails to adhere onto the underlying membrane (the basement membrane). This makes it possible for the epithelium to break down and come off. A diagram showing layers of the cornea Basement membrane A picture of the eye Optic Nerve Lens Conjunctiva Pupil Iris Sclera Retina Epithelium surface layer of the cornea. Stoma What is the cornea? The cornea is a transparent dome shaped window, covering the front of the eye. It covers the iris (the coloured part of the eye) and the pupil (the central area). It gives a clear window to look through. The cornea has more nerve endings than anywhere else in the body and is very sensitive to touch, temperature, pain and chemicals. The cornea is made up of five layers. The outer layer is the epithelium which is fast growing and easily regenerated. It is kept moist at all times by the tear film. Cornea Risk factors People who have had previous corneal abrasions, usually from sharp objects, i.e. paper or fingernails Those people with underlying abnormal corneal structure, i.e. corneal dystrophies Those people with a family history of corneal dystrophies, and recurrent corneal erosion This can be made worse by a dry eye. Signs and symptoms: Sudden onset of eye pain Usually pain in the morning on waking Foreign body sensation Light sensitivity Watering from the eye Red eye (the conjunctiva, the white part of the eye is red). 2 3
Self care advice: The regular use of ocular lubricants, such as lacrilube/ simple eye ointment. These can be purchased over the counter at chemists or obtained from your GP. There are many different kinds available. To keep the eye lubricated, we recommend using a lubricant ointment at night just before going to sleep. Some people may find that this blurs their vision for a few minutes or longer. For this reason eye lubricant drops may be more convenient to use during the day time but must be used frequently - four times a day or more. Lubricant drops and ointment should be used for approximately six weeks. The eyelid acts as a windscreen wiper across the eye as it blinks every 20 seconds. Time has to be allowed for the top layer of the cornea (epithelium) to develop the anchors which enable it to adhere it to the layer beneath. Do not rub the eye. How to access medical advice You may contact your GP for an appointment. If this is not possible, Leighton Hospital Eye Care Centre emergency triage service can be contacted by telephoning Leighton Hospital Switchboard on 01270 255141 and ask for bleep number 2080. Out of hours: See the Out of Hour s GP service within Leighton Hospital or attend A&E. Useful addresses/contacts RNIB - Supporting blind and partially sighted people Helpline: 0303 123 9999 Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk If you wear contact lenses, do not wear them during the period of treatment. When to seek medical advice? If the pain is severe If there is any discharge from the eye If the symptoms are not settling after 24 hours If there is a progressive reduction in vision If you are having frequent repeated episodes. 4 5
Questions? Make a note here This leaflet has been reviewed by the Readers Panel August 2012. This leaflet is available in audio, large print, Braille and other languages. To request a copy, please ask a member of staff. 6 7
Treatment Centre - You can use car parks E and F (which have disabled parking), located closer to the Treatment Centre. For access to these enter via Middlewich Road, following signs for Treatment Centre. Treatment Centre 8 9
Eye Care Centre 10 11
Eye Care Centre Leighton Hospital Middlewich Road Crewe, Cheshire CW1 4QJ Tel: 01270 255141 and ask for bleep 2080 www.mcht.nhs.uk NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk Printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests. IMPRESSIONS DESIGN & PRINT 01270 767661 Printed February 2013 Review February 2015 Ref: SC/ECC/0181012 Ref: SC/ECC/0180213