Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome

Did you know that recurrent corneal erosion syndrome can cause significant discomfort and vision problems?

At Vision Clinic Sydney, we understand the impact of this condition on your quality of life. Our team is experienced in treating recurrent corneal erosion and offer solutions to alleviate your symptoms and restore your eye health. Contact us to book an appointment.

What is recurrent corneal erosion syndrome?

Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES) may occur in patients with recent fingernail or plant trauma to the cornea. Rarely it can also occur in patients with corneal dystrophy or diabetes.

RCES affects the outermost layer of the eye’s cornea (corneal epithelium or corneal epithelial cells), causing it to repeatedly erode or break down, leading to discomfort, pain, and visual disturbances. The cornea plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina, and any damage to its surface can result in blurred vision and sensitivity to light.

Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome
Recurrent corneal erosion can cause severe pain and irritation in the eyes.

What causes recurrent corneal erosion

RCES can be triggered by various factors, including:

  • Corneal injuries
  • Corneal dystrophies, such as Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (epithelial defect)
  • Underlying medical conditions such as Diabetes

Patients who have had previous corneal abrasions or who suffer from certain genetic disorders are also at higher risk of experiencing recurrent corneal erosion.

Symptoms include

Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome

Severe pain, irritation, redness and watering upon waking and opening the eyelids. Medical therapy usually involves temporising measures such as bandage contact lenses, drops and tablets. A range of definitive surgical treatment options exist for patients with this debilitating condition.

Symptoms of Recurrent Corneal Erosion

Symptoms of recurrent corneal erosion include:

  • Severe pain
  • Irritation
  • Redness
  • Watering upon waking upon opening the eyelids

Medical therapy usually involves temporising measures such as bandage contact lenses, drops and tablets. A range of definitive surgical treatment options exist for patients with this debilitating condition.

Risks of Recurrent Corneal Erosion

Untreated recurrent corneal erosion can lead to complications like:

  • Corneal scarring
  • Infection
  • Vision loss

Seeking professional evaluation and treatment is essential to prevent long-term damage to your eyesight.

Recurrent Corneal Erosion is Diagnosed

At Vision Clinic Sydney, we employ state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques to accurately diagnose recurrent corneal erosion. Through a comprehensive eye examination, corneal mapping, and other specialised tests, we can identify the underlying cause and severity of your condition.

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Treatment of Recurrent Corneal Erosion

The treatment for recurrent corneal erosion aims to facilitate corneal healing, reduce discomfort, and prevent further episodes. The specific treatment approach will depend on the patient’s condition and may include:

  • Lubricating Eye Drops and Ointments: preservative-free artificial tears or ointments can help keep the cornea moist and promote healing.
  • Bandage Contact Lenses: These specialized lenses protect the cornea and promote a smooth surface for healing.
  • Debridement: Removal of damaged loose epithelial cells to encourage new cell growth.
  • Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK): A laser procedure that removes damaged corneal tissue and stimulates healing.
  • Anterior Stromal Puncture (ASP): Tiny punctures in the cornea promote scarring and better adhesion.
  • Autologous Serum Eye Drops: Drops made from the patient’s own blood to support corneal healing.

Cost of corneal erosion surgery

The cost of corneal erosion surgery can vary depending on the specific treatment plan and individual requirements. At Vision Clinic Sydney, we understand the importance of transparent pricing, and our team will provide you with detailed information about the costs involved during your consultation. Please contact us directly or book a consultation to find out more about our prices. Visit our patient information page for more
eye surgeon sydney

Vision Clinic Sydney

eye surgeon sydney

At Vision Clinic Sydney, we take pride in our dedication to providing the highest standard of care for our patients.

With our cutting-edge technology and personalised treatment plans, you can rest assured that your eye health is in capable hands. Take the first step towards clearer vision and a better quality of life by booking a consultation with our specialists today.

Meet Dr Kumar

Dr Nikhil Kumar has a long-standing admiration for the complexities of the eye, leading him to pursue ophthalmology as a speciality. He was awarded a degree in Medicine from the University of Newcastle in 1998 and went on to finish his specialised training in ophthalmology at the Sydney Eye Hospital in 2008.

Dr Kumar has further subspecialist cornea training and has worked as a cornea subspecialist for over fourteen years. His area of expertise includes cataract surgery, refractive surgery, corneal transplantation, pterygium removal, keratoconus management and laser vision correction.

How to book an appointment

For the initial visit, you will need to provide a referral letter from your primary care physician or eye specialist in order to qualify for a Medicare rebate for the consultation and any tests/procedures done at the clinic. If you do not have a referral letter, you can still be seen at the practice, but you will not be able to claim a Medicare rebate. You can download the referral PDF form or submit it online.

Please bring:

  • Any prescription glasses that you wear
  • Sunglasses or a hat as your eyes may be dilated during the consultation, resulting in possible sensitivity to light and blurred vision. You may not be able to read or drive for 4 hours after your appointment.
  • A list of current medications and details of your medical history
  • Your Medicare card, private health fund card and pension card if you have them.

Our location in Sydney

We are located in the central business district of Sydney in New South Wales. Our physical address is Level 6, Suite 605, 229 Macquarie St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.

FAQs

Below you can find our most frequently asked questions:

Yes, recurrent corneal erosion can be treated effectively, and in many cases, it can be cured. The appropriate treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause, the severity of the condition, and individual factors.

Yes, recurrent corneal erosion is a serious condition that requires prompt attention and treatment. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as corneal scarring, recurrent infections, and vision impairment.

The treatment for recurrent corneal erosion aims to facilitate corneal healing, reduce discomfort, and prevent further episodes. The specific treatment approach will depend on the patient’s condition.

Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy, often abbreviated as EBMD, is a common eye condition that affects the cornea. It is characterised by irregularities in the basement membrane of the corneal epithelium, the outermost layer of the eye.

This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.
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