Recurrent corneal erosion may result from traumatic abrasion of the cornea, and is usually treated by copious lubrication. In cases that keep recurring it can also be treatable by purposely inducing pinpoint areas of micro-scars on the superficial layers of the cornea, to make the surface layers become more adherent.
In the old days this was done by simply using very fine needles. Nowadays doctors can use the excimer laser to do this in a treatment called PTK. This in itself does not alter the eye power more than around 50 degrees.
It can be combined with a surface ablation refractive treatment and you can consider transPRK for this, as this is basically a combi of PTK and refractive excimer treatment, and is a no-touch treatment. EpiLASIK uses a blunt blade and may not be the first choice as it can potentially cause problems if there are significant scars on the cornea.
It is advisable to undergo a very thorough test of your eyes before any elective laser treatment in cases like yours, as occasionally your symptoms may be associated with an underlying cornea disease called dystrophy, which may be quite subtle in the early stages. Blood tests can be performed to rule out certain types of these cornea diseases.
If all is cleared and your cornea thickness measurements are ideal for surface ablation techniques, you should definitely consider having MMC to reduce haze, which is more likely to occur after surface ablation for higher power. MMC is recommended for surface ablation from 500 deg onwards.
If your cornea measurements are inadequate for surface ablation, an alternative may be to consider PTK to treat the corneal erosions, and consider ICL later on for refractive correction.
All the best and take care there!
Dr Han
