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Prophylactic and treatment regimens for recurrent corneal erosion

Watson SL, Barker NH
Published Online: 
January 21, 2009

In recurrent corneal erosion repeated episodes of breakdown of the corneal surface produce disabling ocular symptoms and predispose the cornea to infection. Recurrent corneal erosion may follow corneal trauma. Prophylactic measures may be required to prevent the occurrence of recurrent erosion following trauma or to prevent further episodes of recurrent erosion once the diagnosis is made or both. Most episodes of recurrent corneal erosion resolve with simple medical therapy such as topical drops and ointment. Alternative treatment strategies are required when such simple measures fail. Randomised controlled trials of prophylactic and treatment regimens were of insufficient quality to provide evidence for the development of management guidelines. There was limited evidence that oral tetracycline or topical prednisolone or both, and excimer laser ablation may be effective treatments for recurrent corneal erosion. Further evidence is needed to guide the management of recurrent corneal erosion.

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