Recurrent corneal erosion: clinical features.

The clinical features of a group of 30 patients with recalcitrant recurrent corneal erosions (i.e. those who failed to respond to conventional therapy) were evaluated. Associated ocular and facial abnormalities were documented. Meibomian gland dysfunction was present in all patients as manifest by dropout and inspissation of the meibomian glands, reduced tear film break-up time and debris in the tear film. Dropout of meibomian glands was present in 25 (83%) patients and was maximum in the medial half of the lid in 21 (84%) of these 25 patients. Tear film break-up time was reduced in all patients, being instant in 7 (23%), between 1 and 5 seconds in 22 (74%) and between 10 and 15 seconds in 1 (3%) patient. Superficial corneal abnormalities were present in 28 (93%) patients as manifest by maps, dots and fingerprints. Facial abnormalities such as telangiectasia, rhinophyma and acne rosacea were present in 22 (73%) patients. The findings of our study suggest an association between recalcitrant recurrent corneal erosions and meibomian gland dysfunction.