Managing patients with persistent corneal epithelial defects can be a challenge, even for the most experienced ophthalmologists. In this interview from AAO 2014, Dr. Bennie Jeng discusses his top management strategies. First, don’t add anything to the eye, Dr. Jeng said. Begin by determining the etiology of the disease. If, after treating the etiology, the wound fails to heal, consider the treatment itself. Start taking away medications that can be toxic. If these two basic steps don’t resolve the defect, he considers therapies such as autologous serum, scleral lenses or amniotic membrane. Dr. Jeng discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these and other options.