This condition is seen in eyes that have suffered a sharp abrading injury (paper cuts, tree branch injuries, fingernails) or in patients with pre-existing Corneal Basement Membrane Dystrophy.
The injury causes a corneal abrasion that heals fast (1–3 days). Then, suddenly, usually in the middle of the night, or when one wakes up in the morning, symptoms recur with pain and the feeling that something is in the eye. This is caused because injured cells soak up tears when the eyes are closed all night and, when one wakes up, the lid rips off the swollen cells and one feels as if there is a brick in the eye. Sometimes the pain goes away in 1–3 hours, but it may persist for days. Other complaints are light sensitivity, eyelid edema, and decreased vision.
A variety of treatment options include:
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