Protect Your Eye Health with Corneal Erosion Treatment

Corneal erosion is a condition which affects the clear dome that covers the front of the eye. When the outermost layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium, becomes damaged, pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision can result. At Fishman & Sheridan eyeCare Specialists, we offer treatment for both spontaneous and recurrent corneal erosion. Our doctors, Jeffrey A. Sheridan and Craig D. Fishman, can provide medication or soft contact lenses to protect your cornea against erosion. In more severe cases, however, surgery may be necessary. We have three offices in Eustis, Clermont, and Leesburg, FL, allowing you to receive treatment at the location that is most convenient for you. 

Symptoms of Corneal Erosion

The most common symptom of corneal erosion is pain, which can range from mild to severe. Patients tend to experience the most discomfort in the morning after waking up. Other signs of erosion include:

• Light sensitivity
• Blurred vision
• Dry eyes
• Watery eyes
• A persistent feeling something is in your eye

If you experience these symptoms consistently, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment at our practice. Without treatment, erosion may continue and cause more serious issues. 

Am I at Risk?

There are certain factors which can increase your risk for corneal erosion, including:

• A history of eye trauma
• A previous eye ulcer
• Corneal disease, such as corneal dystrophy
• Wearing contact lenses, especially if they do not fit properly

Visiting our office regularly for routine exams is especially important if you have one or more of these risk factors. During your appointment, we can identify potential threats to your vision and help protect your eyes against corneal erosion.

Diagnosing the Condition

Drs. Fishman and Sheridan can typically diagnose corneal erosion using a simple slit lamp exam. This instrument shines a thin sheet of bright light into your eye, allowing a better view of the cornea. He may also use a dye test. With this test, your doctor will put a fluorescein stain, a type of yellow dye, into your eye to reveal areas of corneal erosion.

Your Treatment Options

There are several treatments available for corneal erosion, ranging from medications to surgery. The right treatment for you will depend on the severity of the erosion. Typically, Dr. Fishman and Dr. Sheridan begin with conservative treatment options, such as:

• A lubricating ointment at bedtime
• Artificial tears
• Bandage soft contact lenses
• Patching your eye
• Antibiotics

For patients whose erosion is due to chronic dry eye, we may recommend punctal plugs to prevent tear evaporation. We offer both temporary collagen plugs, which dissolve over time, and silicon plugs for long-term relief.

If you are suffering from corneal erosion, our doctors can provide conservative treatment to alleviate symptoms and protect the health of your eyes.

If erosion continues despite nighttime lubrication and artificial tears, we may recommend surgery. For some patients, surgery can help the epithelium heal and prevent further erosion. There are a few surgical treatments which can help with recurrent corneal erosions. Your doctor can discuss your options with you during an appointment at our office.

Find Relief from Uncomfortable Symptoms

Left untreated, corneal erosion can continue and cause further damage to your vision. If you are suffering from this condition, our doctors can provide conservative treatment to alleviate symptoms and protect the health of your eyes. For more information, contact our office online, call (352) 360-2301, or reach out to one of our three locations today.