Anterior Basement Membrane Dystrophy Erosion

Anterior Basement Membrane Dystrophy (ABMD) affects the epithelium, which is the front layer of the cornea. It is caused by an overproduction of tissue underneath the epithelium, causing gaps in between the epithelial cells. This abnormality of the cells causes blurred vision and can lead to a condition called recurrent corneal erosion (RCE). 

RCE occurs because epithelial cells cannot properly stick to the cornea. Patients typically experience RCE when waking up in the mornings. As they sleep, the raised epithelial cells attach to the eyelid. When the eye is opened in the morning, the cells pull off of the eye. The removal of these cells result in a scratch on the cornea and can be very painful. However, not every patient that has ABMD will develop RCE. The first step to treating ABMD is to keep eyes lubricated with over-the-counter artificial tears or gel. This will discourage RCE from occurring, and it also helps to clear vision that is affected by ABMD.

If you have experienced any symptoms that you believe are related to ABMD or RCE, call our office at (859) 278-9486, and we will get you on our schedule to see Dr. Dudee as soon as possible.