Eye Care Centre

NHS Foundation Trust

Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome Information for patients

Every Matters 1 What is recurrent corneal erosion syndrome? A picture of the eye Conjunctiva Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome is repeated episodes of Optic spontaneous, superficial corneal abrasion (scratches). This Nerve occurs when the outer layer, the epithelium fails to adhere Pupil onto the underlying membrane (the basement membrane). This makes it possible for the epithelium to break down and come off. Basement Lens A diagram showing membrane Iris layers of the cornea Sclera Retina

Stoma Epithelium Cornea surface layer Risk factors of the cornea. • 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 What is the cornea? • Those people with a family history of corneal dystrophies, The cornea is a transparent dome shaped window, covering and recurrent corneal erosion the front of the eye. It covers the iris (the coloured part of the • This can be made worse by a dry eye. eye) and the pupil (the central area). It gives a clear window to look through. The cornea has more nerve endings than Signs and symptoms: anywhere else in the body and is very sensitive to touch, • Sudden onset of eye pain temperature, pain and chemicals. • Usually pain in the morning on waking • Foreign body sensation The cornea is made up of five layers. The outer layer is the • Light sensitivity epithelium which is fast growing and easily regenerated. It is • Watering from the eye kept moist at all times by the tear film. • Red eye (the conjunctiva, the white part of the eye is red). 2 3 Self care advice: How to access medical advice • The regular use of ocular lubricants, such as lacrilube/ simple eye ointment. These can be purchased over the You may contact your GP for an appointment. If this is not counter at chemists or obtained from your GP. There are possible, Leighton Hospital Eye Care Centre emergency many different kinds available. triage service can be contacted by telephoning Leighton • To keep the eye lubricated, we recommend using a Hospital Switchboard on 01270 255141 and ask for bleep lubricant ointment at night just before going to sleep. Some people may find that this blurs their vision for a number 2080. few minutes or longer. For this reason eye lubricant Out of hours: See the Out of Hour’s GP service within drops may be more convenient to use during the day Leighton Hospital or attend A&E. time but must be used frequently - four times a day or more. Useful addresses/contacts • Lubricant drops and ointment should be used for approximately six weeks. The eyelid acts as a RNIB - Supporting blind and partially sighted people windscreen wiper across the eye as it blinks every 20 Helpline: 0303 123 9999 seconds. Time has to be allowed for the top layer of Email: [email protected] the cornea (epithelium) to develop the anchors which enable it to adhere it to the layer beneath. • Do not rub the eye.

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