Pathogenesis and treatment of recurrent erosion.

A series of recurrent corneal erosions secondary to map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy is presented. Erosions were closely related to the Hudson-Stahli line, and this may be a factor in pathogenesis. Traumatic abrasions did not demonstrate such localisation, evidence that trauma is not a primary cause. A trial of management with therapeutic contact lenses versus topical medication was performed. Therapeutic contact lenses were shown to be inferior and had a high complication rate. Recurrent erosion is often considered an indication for therapeutic contact lenses, but this is questioned and great caution recommended in such use.