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Home Patients' Zone Patient Leaflets Recurrent Corneal Erosion

Recurrent Corneal Erosion

Sudden eye pain when you wake up

In recurrent corneal erosion the surface layer of the cornea does not stick down firmly. During sleep it can stick to the inside of the eyelid, and when you open your eyes in the morning it tears away, causing sudden sharp pain, watering and light sensitivity. It often starts weeks or months after a scratch, or happens in people with a corneal dystrophy.

Symptoms

  • Sudden pain on waking or on rubbing the eye at night
  • Watering, redness, light sensitivity and blurred vision
  • Pain may last minutes in mild episodes or a day or two in severe ones

During an attack

Do

  • Keep the eye closed and blink gently.
  • Use preservative-free lubricant drops.
  • See an eye doctor if pain lasts more than an hour or vision stays blurred.

Don't

  • Don't rub the eye.
  • Don't force the eye open quickly in the morning; open it slowly.

Preventing further attacks

  1. Lubricating ointment at bedtime every night for at least 2 to 3 months, even when the eye feels fine.
  2. Preservative-free lubricant drops during the day.
  3. Open the eyes slowly on waking, or put a drop in before opening.
  4. Treat dry eye and blepharitis.
  5. Use a humidifier and avoid fans blowing on the face at night.

If attacks keep coming back

The doctor may suggest a bandage contact lens for a few weeks, oral doxycycline with a steroid drop for a short time, removal of the loose surface layer (debridement), anterior stromal puncture, or laser smoothing of the surface (phototherapeutic keratectomy). These help the new surface bond firmly.

Frequently asked questions

Why does it happen in the morning?

The eye surface dries overnight and sticks to the lid; opening the eye pulls off the weakly attached layer.

How long do I need the night ointment?

Usually at least 8 to 12 weeks after the last attack, sometimes longer.

Is it serious?

It is painful but rarely affects long-term vision. Each episode carries a small risk of infection, so see a doctor if pain is severe or the eye stays red.

Can it be cured?

Most people are cured by months of night ointment. Persistent cases respond well to simple procedures or laser.

Related: Corneal Abrasion (Scratched Eye), Dry Eye Treatment in Ahmedabad, Contact Lens Care Tips.

This leaflet gives general information and does not replace advice from your own eye doctor. Reviewed by Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (Ophthalmology, AIIMS New Delhi), November 2026.

Questions about this?

Sadbhaav Eye & Dental Clinic, Motera, Ahmedabad. Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (AIIMS New Delhi). Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm. For a serious eye injury outside clinic hours, go to the nearest eye hospital or emergency department.

+91 70169 12180

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