Home/Treatments – An Introduction/Recurrent Erosion Syndrome

Recurrent Erosion Syndrome

What is recurrent erosion syndrome (RES)?

Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RES) is diagnosed when a person wakes up in the morning with a very painful eye, which feels like something has “ripped” on the surface of the eye. An abrasion or corneal ulcer develops when the epithelium (skin) on the surface of the cornea is dislodged.

 

What causes it?

The most common cause of recurrent corneal erosion is a fingernail injury or other trauma to the cornea. It can also occur spontaneously, or in patients with a weakness of their cornea called Map Dot Fingerprint (Epithelial Basement Membrane) Corneal Dystrophy.

What treatments are available for recurrent corneal erosion syndrome?

There are 3 main treatments:

  • Lubricating ointment at night-time and drops during the day. Sometimes oral antibiotics to improve Meibomian gland dysfunction and reduce tear enzymes are recommended. Lubricating ointment will prevent the eyelid from sticking to the epithelium and lifting it off the cornea.
  • Bandage contact lens, used under close medical supervision, changed monthly for at least 3 months.
  • Laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). Laser PTK is performed by removing the epithelium (or outer skin of the cornea) and then applying excimer laser treatment to the surface of the cornea. The goal is to produce a smoother and clearer cornea, and to enable the epithelium to bond better to the rest of the cornea to prevent recurrent erosions.

 

What happens during PTK surgery?

Anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb the surface of your eyes. A clean drape will be applied around your eye, and a gentle eyelid clip will keep your eyelids open during the procedure.You will be asked to look a target light while the epithelium, a thin layer of protective skin that covers the cornea, is removed with a fine spatula. The laser will then treat your cornea. It is important to continue looking at the target light whilst the laser treatment is taking place. The laser treatment will be finished in less than a minute or two, depending on the amount of treatment needed. Your eye will then be examined by Miss Saw at the slit lamp microscope. Sometimes a little more laser treatment will be done that day, until the cornea is smooth and clear. A bandage contact lens will be place in the eye at the end of the procedure. 

What happens afterwards?

Your vision will be blurry or hazy for the first few days. You will experience some discomfort as the epithelium heals and covers the treated area. Your eye will be gritty, red, watery and sensitive to light, especially during the first week, but this will gradually improve. Cool compresses, regular pain tablets and eye drops will be used to minimize this discomfort. Sleeping will help the eye to heal. You will either use an eye pad for 2 days, or use a soft bandage contact lens for up to 1 week. Most patients resume normal activities after the first week, sometimes earlier. Vision can fluctuate for up to six months.

What are the risks of PTK?

PTK is a safe and effective procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks and side effects. Some patients find that their spectacle or contact lens prescription is slightly different after the procedure. After PTK, it is normal to experience light sensitivity, glare and halos. These visual side effects are mild and temporary and have a tendency to resolve over time. When treating recurrent corneal erosions, PTK may need to be carried out more than once. Serious complications following PTK are extremely rare but include corneal infection, irregular astigmatism (where contact lenses may be needed to improve vision which cannot be improved with spectacles), or permanent scarring which impairs the quality of vision.

 

  • While I was initially quite frightened and apprehensive considering eye surgery to correct my short sightedness, I opted to go to Valerie Saw at Moorfields due to the consistency of references I had received about her. This was absolutely the right decision. She worked carefully with me, addressing all my concerns and answering my questions, no matter how unusual! In the end we planned a surgery type that was right for me, and I felt confident on the day that I was being looked after as well as I had ever hoped. Valerie comforted me massively during the surgery, and offered me all sorts of advice and post surgery care as I recovered. I highly recommend her to anyone, and I am very grateful.

    Matt De Moraes

  • Ms Saw and her team are very friendly and professional – they made sure I understood everything beforehand and explained exactly how the procedure would go so I knew what to expect. Ms Saw’s manner is calm and reassuring and I am thrilled with the results.

    Kit Roberts

  • Dr Saw completed my laser eye surgery in November 2016. Her team completed a thorough pre-assessment of my eyes and determined I was suitable for surgery. On the day of the surgery I was walked through the process step-by-step to ensure I was comfortable with what was going to happen, as well as information about how long different things would take.
    I’ve had several follow up appointments and have reached out to Dr Saw multiple times with questions, all of which have been responded to promptly. My vision is now better than 20/20.
    
My wife is also looking to get laser eye surgery and we'll definitely be going back to see Dr Saw!

    Graham R.

  • As most people would be when thinking about having eye surgery, I was really worried about side effects. however, Ms Saw put all my worries to rest while at the same time being very informative and professional. My visits to the clinic were enjoyable and the people who worked there were really friendly. I had a great outcome with my surgery and would recommend Ms Saw to anybody

    Mark Glock

  • I found Valerie very informative prior to having my eye implants, the aftercare was first class. I would not hesitate to recommend Valerie to any of my friends who were thinking of having this procedure.

    Pamela Weeks

  • From start to finish I felt supported, informed, safe and unpressured. Any concerns were dealt with immediately and I was re-assured at all times. Follow up post op is excellent and more than I had ever expected. Ms Valerie Saw was amazing, so calm, knowledgeable and professional. Moorfields exceeded my expectations and I recommend them to all considering laser surgery. It’s worth spending the extra to know you will have the best.

    Carla Finlayson

  • Having a very high prescription most of my life was restricting in everyday life. I waited until I was ready to take the plunge and have the eye surgery (mainly due to confidence and checking to see what would be suitable for my high prescription). Ms Saw has been very helpful and supportive during the whole procedure and we have both been surprised and happy by the results of the surgery

    Deepkamal Bakhshi

  • I received the highest level of professional care from Valerie Saw and her team. I have a pre-existing condition, (Blepharitis) so was anxious about surgery. However, not only has Miss Saw corrected my vision, she has also greatly improved the Blepharitis symptoms with medication, which previous ophthalmologist, GP’s and opticians had not diagnosed/treated adequately. The surgery was quick, pain free and extremely professional. Thank you!

    Andrea Rees

  • Great level of care. I felt that they really cared at all stages through the consultancy all the way to the surgery and then the aftercare. I was able to call anytime if I had a problem. Perfect vision. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering laser eye surgery.

    Taharul Islam

  • I had a corneal ulcer on my right eye caused by my contact lenses. I was under her care for 3 months whilst the ulcer healed. I received excellent care and so I decided to go back to Ms Saw to discuss the possibility of laser surgery. The final procedure was completely successful. I can now say, June 2014 that I have 20:20 vision in both eyes. It is amazing and I am SO grateful to Ms Saw for her professionalism and care. Despite being an ‘unusual’ case, she was willing to treat me and I hope that my experience will give hope to others in a similar situation. I have no hesitation in recommending Ms Saw and would highly recommend her.

    Pippa Berger

  • Had my surgery over a year ago. Currently still no issues and have better than 6/6 or 20/20 vision. Miss Saw was very thorough and that gave me the confidence to go ahead with the surgery. She also explained that if I had any issues after surgery to contact her immediately. That alone gave me confidence I was in good hands. The surgery was quicker than I expected. Before long I suddenly could see with a lot of detail. Also to note Miss Saw is very gentle as well. Best thing I have ever done and better still with such an excellent surgeon.

    Sarah Datson

  • I highly recommend undertaking laser surgery with Valerie. I had a very high prescription (-8) and was wearing spectacles and then contact lenses since I was 5 years old. I was a bit apprehensive at the start but Valerie was very reassuring from the beginning. I received all the information I wanted allowing me to make my choice. The surgery (in May 2016) didn’t take long at all and the discomfort only lasted a couple of hours. I was provided with a range of drops including anesthetics drops against the pain which were very efficient. After a few hours, I was seeing and my vision settled very quickly after then. I was driving my son to school after 48h. Valerie gave me her mobile number allowing me to call her, anytime (even during the weekend) if I had any concerns. This was really reassuring. She is making herself available for her patients and is very caring. My vision is now perfect, which is an amazing and crazy feeling! Whenever friends mention laser surgery, I encourage them to see Valerie as I know they will be in very safe hands. The clinic facilities at AVC are very clean and modern, as you would expect for private facilities. You are very well looked after all way through.

    Lauren A.

  • Ms Saw is excellent. She is so reassuring about the procedure, explaining good and bad about the surgery. I would strongly recommend her to anyone considering surgery.

    Diane McGarva

  • When I first thought about getting my eyes done, I refused to go to the regularly advertised companies as I found them too pushy and unsatisfactory when it came to answering my questions. However, when visiting Ms Saw she immediately put me at ease. My concerns over side effects and dry eyes were put to one side once Ms Saw explained very clearly and in detail what the likely outcome would be and how I would be able to look after my dry eyes. Ms Saw advised me to use a hot compress which worked very well in preparation for the procedure and I continue to use this method. It’s now been two years since I've had the operation and I've got to say I've had minimal pain and discomfort. It's now two years on and despite dry eyes and fear of side effects, I could not be happier with the outcome. My vision is fantastic and it feels wonderful to be able to wake up, watch tv, go for a walk or even look at signs on the tube platforms without using my glasses. Ms Saw's care pre and post operation have been exceptional. If you are in any way apprehensive or nervous, I highly recommend Ms Saw. Quite simply you could not be in better hands!

    Ms Dhaliwal

  • Having worn glasses since the age of 8, it was difficult to explain the decision to undergo surgery to correct my vision. However, how glad I am that I went through with it. Valerie was amazing, patiently explaining everything and answering questions, even in the run-up to the surgery date. On the day itself, Valerie and her team made the whole experience calm and stress free and it is astounding that such a life changing result can be achieved so easily, and pain/ stress free. I had the surgery in February and have recently returned from an early summer holiday – no glasses, prescription sunglasses, contact lenses, comfort drops etc. Just my new eyes and a pair of sunglasses! I would thoroughly recommend the amazing Valerie and Moorfields hospital.

    Tony Millward

  • July 2020: Life changing experience (LASIK surgery).
    Clear helpful guidance all the way through.
    Always went the extra mile to provide reassurance.
    Thank you for everything – all the best going forwards.

    Martha O'Neill

  • I could not be happier with my decision to have laser eye surgery to correct short-sightedness/ astigmatism performed by Miss Saw. Miss Saw is professional, calm and reassuring. She talked me through the procedure which took around 10-15 minutes one afternoon. I woke up the next morning and could see without glasses or lenses for the first time in 30 years. A year on I have 20/20 vision, no problems driving at night or otherwise. Brilliant!

    Julie Brownson

  • Ms Saw and her staff were outstanding and very helpful. Treatment and post-care were easy. I would highly recommend her and this clinic to anyone considering the procedure. Well worth it

    TCK

  • By the end of the first consultation, I felt sure I knew what I was entering into. During the surgery, Ms Saw explained the progress the laser was making, and kept me calm. I would highly recommend having the surgery with Valerie Saw, who is calm in speech and professional in approach, essential qualities when dealing with patients looking to make important decisions on issues as sensitive as their sight.

    Aatish Thakerar

  • I can’t thank Valerie enough for completely transforming my vision: from -8.50 and virtually no vision without glasses or lenses to perfect vision for both distance and reading. At all stages Valerie provided a totally professional service. The aftercare support was fantastic. I cannot think of a more successful outcome nor a surgeon I could more highly recommend.

    Timothy Oliver

  • The service provided by Valerie and her team was fantastic and I am very pleased with the results. I would not hesitate to recommend her to any of my friends or family.

    Caolan Gardner

  • Ms Valerie Saw’s team were very attentive and helpful. I had LASEK surgery which has longer recovery time and is more painful. Ms Saw ensured the pain has kept to a minimum and even came in on a Saturday to check how my eyes were healing! All my questions were answered promptly.

    Jabin Ahmed

  • I feel I have had life changing eye surgery. No more contacts or glasses. Surgery was painless, a little discomfort for a few weeks after but all good now. I have been delighted with my experience and would recommend Ms Valerie Saw.

    Linda Turner

  • I had LASIK after suffering from iritis and blepharitis. I was very nervous about the procedure but Ms Saw was very clear in explaining what would happen, which made me feel at ease on the day. My LASIK result was overwhelming with joy that such instant results could change my sight from -6.5 to 20/20. Thank you!

    Elizabeth Selvey

  • The surgery itself was quick and (literally) painless. I am 3 months down the line and delighted, not only with the result but with the follow up care I received. I highly recommend Valerie and her whole team. I could not have done this without them!

    Verity Westcott

  • The treatment was completely successful. Great to be able to drive without glasses and to buy sunglasses without having to get expensive lenses. Wish I’d done it sooner, best money I’ve ever spent!

    Niroshini Gallacher

  • I had lens replacement (IOL, RLE) surgery to fix short-sightedness in Feb/Mar 2013. I’ve had my first annual check up everything is fine. I’m extremely happy with the outcome and would happily recommend this surgery to anyone, especially if you have severe short-sightedness. Valerie Saw is not only highly qualified, but helpful, kind, gentle and patient as well and I highly recommend her to anyone considering this type of surgery.

    Louise De Kock

  • Well taken care of. Surgery went very well and aftercare excellent. I have 20/20 vision, the best thing I have ever spent my money on. Would recommend LASIK eye surgery.

    Pasqualina Rasile

  • Ms Saw is an outstanding surgeon. Very clear information and individual attention as I had long standing conjunctivitis and blepharitis as well as myopia. Felt fully prepared for the surgery and extremely confident in her skill. Delighted to wholeheartedly recommend both the procedure and Ms Saw. Can’t believe I didn’t have this done years ago!

    Emma Hawkes

  • I was so afraid of this operation but Ms Saw has a calm and gentle manner which is so reassuring to the patient. Her skills are outstanding – I can’t remember being able to see from early childhood, but because of Ms Saw’s abilities a miracle has occurred and I can see when I open my eyes. I am so grateful to her.

    Brenda Garnham

  • I am extremely glad I went with Valerie and her team, they were friendly, caring, informative and professional. The surgery was so quick, easy and pain free. I was extremely nervous about the procedure, just the thought made my stomach turn. Valerie and her team made me feel extremely relaxed and explained the procedure clearly to me. The nurses on the day were really helpful and explained all the aftercare drops to me. I still can’t believe I went through with it but so glad I did and would recommend it to anyone and would highly recommend going to Moorfields and having Valerie as your surgeon. Her voice is extremely calming whilst the procedure is taking place.

    Sarah Dean

  • Having laser eye surgery was the best decision I have ever made and, given the serious nature of the surgery, I researched the procedure and the best surgeon for me before committing to it. The whole experience was excellent - professional, caring and I was kept completely informed throughout the process.

    Katie Price

  • I had spent a lot of time researching LASIK surgery as it was something that I was fearful of having done, even though I really wanted to improve my sight. I could not have chosen a better surgeon than Valerie Saw. Not only did she keep me fully reassured and informed at all time, her manner and personality left me feeling instantly at ease in her care. The treatment itself was not as scary as I had anticipated and either Valerie or her team were always at the other end of the phone if I needed assistance with aftercare. It has been one of the best decisions I have made and I am so pleased that I chose Valerie for my treatment.

    Richard Knight

  • I was considering having laser eye surgery on my right eye. I consulted Valerie who diagnosed me with keratoconus. Valerie recommended inserting a Keraring in my eye instead of laser treatment. The results are amazing, 20/20 vision achieved. I cannot thank Valerie enough.

    Kevin Carnegie

  • The initial examination was thorough beyond all previous experience and her advice complete, informative and very reassuring. Taking the plunge I elected to have lasik surgery and the procedure was duly completed without pain in a calm and comforting environment by a scrupulously professional team led by Valerie. Despite the recent surgery there was an immediate and staggering improvement in my vision and within 12 hours I could read newsprint without the aid spectacles. It is now 4 months since the procedure and having undergone 3 equally thorough post operative checks the result continues to improve. I am now free to pursue my passion for wildlife photography and bird watching without the constant annoyance of spectacles hanging around my neck and the only regret is that I didn't have the procedure carried out years ago! If you are in any doubt forget it, make an appointment to see Valerie, put your trust in her abilities and enjoy a life changing experience. Brilliant!

    Nick Stantiford

  • Brilliant Service. Everyone was kind and helpful. Can now see my golf ball after playing my shot. Highly recommended.

    David Pollicott

  • After being blind as a bat for over 30 years, I finally gave into having laser eye surgery. After researching the issue, I decided on Moorfields as the best option. This has been endorsed by my whole experience from start to finish. Miss Saw and her team were professional, dedicated and supportive through the whole process and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them as the way to go if you're thinking of this treatment. Thanks for giving me my sight back!

    Andrew Rowley

  • Extremely pleased with the results from my laser eye surgery with Ms Saw. Perfect vision, better than 20:20. Still marvelling at the view 4 months on. Ms Saw and her team are kind, thorough, professional and provide excellent care and advice. Highly recommend.

    Justin Wilson

  • Absolutely delighted with result and service, couldn't be happier!

    Heather Pearce

  • From start to finish service spot on, Professional, informative and end result
    amazing!! I wouldn’t hesitate recommending Ms Valerie Saw and team to Family friends and colleagues.

    Andrew Lee

  • Extremely pleased with the surgery (January 2016). It is life changing. Valerie was fantastic all the way through, very professional and thorough in her explanations. Surgery was painless and results were already incredible after a few hours. After care support was brilliant. I have been recommending Valerie to my family and friends since then!

    Leonardo L.

  • Valerie was highly professional and very competent indeed and the Lasik surgery on my left eye went really well. The procedure was explained very clearly in advance and the procedure itself was quick and painless and has resulted in clear long distance vision in the eye. It all went very well and I can strongly recommend Valerie.

    Michael Hart

  • I have always considered having laser eye surgery. After using contact lenses and glasses for over 10 years, I decided to go ahead with it. After going online to look at reviews on Moorfields website Ms V Saw had very good feedback. Having had a consultation which was brilliant and answered all my questions, I then decided to proceed with surgery. Obviously going in for the surgery can seem quite daunting but everyone, especially Miss Saw, put me at ease and told me what was happening throughout the procedure. It has been the best thing I have ever done and would do it all over again! Miss Saw was fantastic. I would recommend her to anyone considering Lasik Surgery. Thank you!

    Elizabeth Godfrey

  • After 40+ years of glasses/contacts had LASIK about three months ago. Miss Saw and her team were excellent. Friendly, professional and thorough. I understood all aspects of the procedure and could not be happier with the results.

    Mrs N

  • Very pleased with the results. The novelty has not worn off yet! Ms Saw is very gentle and calm. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

    Charlotte Leonard

  • I am thrilled with the results. I researched and contacted a number of London based clinics and surgeons and after contacting Ms Saw’s office I was really impressed with the professional and personalised service that her team offered me. When I met with Ms Saw's office the professional and personalised service continued. I am very active and I hold a PPL and we agreed that LASEK was a better choice for me. During the surgery I was grateful that Ms Saw explained what she was doing at each and every step of the very short procedure. During the follow up and aftercare I found Ms Saw and her team to be easily available to answer any questions. My recovery was very fast, aided by the aftercare, and my PPL Medical certificate was re-issued by a CAA Medical Examiner after 3 months instead of the anticipated 12. I am 100% satisfied with my treatment would recommend Ms Saw to anyone considering laser eye surgery.

    Alexander Collis

  • After years of suffering with dry eyes and several visits to consultants in the Midlands, I was getting extremely frustrated and losing hope of finding anyone who could understand my problem fully and offer me sound advice with a plan for improvement. I had both Meibomian gland dysfunction and aqueous tear deficiency, with occasional secondary inflammation. Since 2002 I had used a variety of drops and also tried punctal plugs, but had developed infections.

    After another search on the Internet and looking at London consultants, I noticed Ms Saw had an amazing CV and had Dry Eye as one of her areas of expertise. My first visit to Valerie in March 2015, instantly gave me the hope I was seeking. She was so understanding, reassuring and kind. Valerie took time to investigate and diagnose my symptoms fully and I came away with a new treatment regime offering various options, as part of a plan for improving my condition in the short and long term. As one of my treatment options, Valerie carried out Cautery of the lower tear ducts and fitting of a punctual plug in one of the upper.

    In 2016 my eyes are now far more comfortable and I am slowly reducing medication. I am using a good combination of drops and ointment and continue with a hot massage routine.
    I have travelled from Staffordshire for all of my visits and will happily continue to do so, Valerie is unique in my view, and so it is well worth the effort to get the best.

    Clearly our rating out of 5 is 6

    Mrs Stephanie James

  • Valerie Saw carried out cataract surgery on me as a private patient in April of 2011 at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. I am absolutely delighted with the outcome and can't praise her skills enough.

    Kenneth Fish

  • "Calm and clear. I was particularly grateful for being able to contact Valerie both pre and post-surgery with questions. The teams both in Valerie’s practice and at Moorfields were friendly, reassuring and approachable. Thank you for taking such good care of my sight!"

    O. Robinson

  • I had absolutely no idea of what to expect when I discovered cataracts in my eyes. And I was living abroad. On my first visit, during my initial consultation Valerie explained in very simple but concise terms what to expect and was able to put my mind at ease. She also fully outlined what type of resulting vision to expect including all the main side effects. I came back to London 3 months later and we were able to operate on both eyes, and I left London a week later, fully armed with instructions and eye drops. Due to being abroad I called once just to discuss over the phone how I felt my vision was and to ensure that I was on track. Once again even from afar Valerie was spot on with advice and suggestions. Six months on and I have had my follow up visit. My eye-sight is perfect, the side effects are minimal. I would highly recommend Valerie Saw to anyone considering eye surgery; you can be certain of being in good, professional hands with optimum results.

    Bola Awoyinka

  • What a lovely lady! What a fantastic surgeon. My husband has only had one good eye since birth, and that was getting worse and worse. He had to wear glasses all the time and it makes things like wearing goggles for skiing and workshop tasks difficult. He went to a couple of laser surgeons to find out if he could have something done to this one eye, but, they wouldn't even consider it in case something went wrong. However, we went to see Miss Saw and she didn't see any problems, she only saw solutions. He now has 20/20 vision in that eye and sees better than he has since his 20's. It was easy, friendly and a comfortable experience for both of us. Can't praise her enough. Wonderful, she has changed his life.

    Carole Jones

  • I wish I’d had the treatment years ago. It’s transformed my life, stripping out a whole layer of stress, anxiety and upset. I was terrified of the procedure and the recovery process for PRK. It was over in moments and in retrospect, neither the treatment or recovery felt like a big deal. I can’t recommend Valerie Saw highly enough. She took time to answer my numerous questions in-depth, face-to-face during consultations as well as over the phone and via email. She put me at ease and she has changed my life for the better, and for this I am eternally grateful.

    Alex Smith

  • As I got older my eyes deteriorated! I had glasses throughout the house, and it irritated me. It even influenced my sports. This operation has given me perfect vision, I could not be happier! Thank you Ms Valerie Saw and the team for the perfect treatment. Highly recommended.

    Yvette Van Leeuwen

  • Lens replacement surgery in November 2016.
    Not needing reading glasses is amazing!

    Rick B.

  • I went to a number of eye clinics who all failed to spot my cataracts. Valerie was quick to diagnose and treat my various needs and swiftly achieved great results. If you are worried or in need of advice or quality care I would recommend Valerie.

    Nicholas Pollitt

  • Ms Valerie Saw is a friendly and very professional eye surgeon. She is very thorough during the examination. Valerie immediately put me at ease providing just the right amount of information to enable me to make the right decision about having laser eye surgery (after over 45 years of wearing glasses for astigmatism and myopia the idea was a bit scary!) During the surgery when I was quite nervous Valerie was reassuring, efficient and kept me fully informed. After surgery I received complete care and attention. Valerie made sure I understood exactly what I needed to do to take the best care of my eyes. I now have great vision with no glasses at all, even reading a computer screen all day.

    Chris Stott

  • After many years debating whether to have surgery I eventually booked an appointment with Ms Saw. Valerie and her team explained everything fully, addressed my worries and put me at ease. The procedure was easier than I thought it would be and I only wish I had done it sooner. Thanks to Ms Saw I do not need glasses anymore.

    Lynda Parker

  • Very satisfied with my treatment. Ms Saw is excellent and the quality of aftercare is fantastic. I would highly recommend treatment here and I am delighted with the results.

    David Sindall
About Valerie Saw
Treatments
London Dry Eye Clinic