Recurrent Corneal Abrasion!?

Question

Hi there. About a month ago I developed a foreign body sensation in my eye and went to the eye doctor and was told it was a corneal abrasion. I was treated with antibiotic drops for about a week and it helped and for the next few weeks everything was fine until one week ago the foreign body sensation returned and once again I was put on antibiotic drops. I have been on them for one week now and as of today the foreign sensation has returned as well as the grey spot on my cornea....I am so frustrated!!! Can this be related to dry eye??? When it first happened it was spontaneous with nothing coming in contact with my eye.?! My eye doctor feels it might have been an eyelash...any feedback would be appreciated..thanks!! :)

Answer 1

It sounds like you are experiencing recurrent corneal erosion.  There are some different drops that you may need to be placed on to help with the healing process.  Talk with your doctor about this being recurrent.

Answer 2

My first two thoughts were ingrown lash and abuse of contact lens, but you didn't mention that you wear cls so I would assume the lash as well.  

Answer 3

Sometimes eyelashes grow inward into the eye and actually touch the surface, instead of outward as normal.  They are sometimes too small to even see, but if you have a lash such as this, it is the likely culprit.  There isn't really much you can do, except if you see a lash growing into your eye, to carefully pluck it.

Answer 4

Well as you know, corneal abrasions are about the most painful thing to endure.  The upside is that they usually heal within a matter of hours.  The question of whether or not this could be related to dry eyes is a very valid question.  Anytime you have refractive surgery done, it increases the dryness of the eye.  The nerves that tell the eye to blink have been cut during the procedure and take time to heal.  Using an artificial teardrop 4-6 times daily may help reduce the dry sensation.  Also, you might want to try an ointment at bedtime..example Refresh PM or Genteal Gel.  (Put a thin layer inside the lower lid..it will blur your vision so do it right before going to sleep) These are thicker and will coat the cornea while you sleep.  It may be that your eyes don't close completely while sleeping and the cornea gets dry.  When you open your eyes in the morning, the lid may be rubbing against the area causing it to be uncomfortable.  Start with these suggestions.  If they don't seem to help, talk to your surgeon about the possibility of punctal plugs.  The plugs are designed to block tears from draining as quickly from the eyes leaving more lubrication on the cornea.  

You may also consider asking your dr. to refer you to a corneal specialist.  Good luck.

Answer 5

The antibiotic drops help stop an infection, they do not help the healing. Lubricant eye drops may help the healing and stop it happening again, if it is not eye lash related. Go back and see your eye doctor before you use any extra drops though