Recurrent corneal erosions occurs when the epithelium (surface layer of the cornea) comes loose from the underlying corneal stroma causing intense eye pain and a watery eye. It may occur after mild eye injuries or in those with an underlying condition known as epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD) which is a type of corneal dystrophy.
The pain in those with recurrent erosions, termed recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES) can be brief or may last for several hours, is typically on waking at night or in the morning when the corneal epithelium becomes more adherent to the back of the eyelid instead of the corneal stroma.