Typically patients complain of severe or sharp pain in the eye often times upon awakening. Some patients are awakened from sleep but the pain occurs when the eyelids are rubbed or opened. Most commonly this follows an injury to the eye which caused a corneal abrasion. The recurrent corneal erosion can happen weeks to months after the initial injury.

Sometimes it can also be seen in patients who have corneal dystrophies of the front or middle area of the cornea. It can also occur following radial keratotomy or cataract surgery. Treatment may consist of antibiotic drops and pressure patching. After the scratch is healed then Artificial Tears and lubricating ointment will be used at night. Most patients respond well to this type of treatment. Some patients who continue to have problems may require laser intervention or fine needle punctures of the cornea.