Dear vh115,
It is possible that you are experiencing a recurrent corneal erosion or have an abnormality of the basement membrane that causes the outer layer of the cornea [epithelium] to its underlying layer. I would recommend that you seek the care of a corneal specialist in the early morning and describe this to them. They will be able to determine whether this indeed the problem and recommend some treatments, including muro 128 ointment at night and drops during the day.
Dr. Feldman
Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California