Recurrent corneal erosion, or recurrent erosion syndrome, is a painful corneal condition where the epithelium spontaneously erodes leaving an epithelial defect. The erosion most commonly happens in the early morning when the patient first awakes and opens his or her eyes. Patients experience a sharp pain in the affected eye followed by a foreign body sensation, redness, photophobia, and tearing that may last from several minutes to hours. These episodes may occur with a daily, weekly, or random pattern. Patients with corneal dystrophies such as anterior basement membrane dystrophy (ABMD) or lattice corneal dystrophy are more prone to recurrent corneal erosions. Eyes that have had corneal trauma, such as an abrasion, are also prone to developing this condition in the area of the initial injury.