Ocular Pain after Refractive Surgery

To examine the frequency and risk factors for ocular pain after laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).Prospective study of individuals undergoing refractive surgery at two different centers. Participants rated their ocular pain on a 0 - 10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pre-surgery and 1 day, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery. A clinical examination focused on ocular surface health was performed 3- and 6-months post-surgery. Persistent ocular pain was defined as an NRS score ≥ 3 at both 3- and 6-months post-surgery (cases) and this group was compared to individuals with NRS scores <3 at both time points (controls).109 individuals underwent refractive surgery (87% LASIK; 13% PRK) and were followed for 6 months after surgery. Mean age was 34±8 years (range 23 to 57); 62% self-identified as female, 81% as White, 33% as Hispanic. Eight (7%) individuals reported ocular pain (NRS ≥ 3) prior to surgery, with the frequency of ocular pain increasing after surgery to 23% (n=25) at 3 months and 24% (n=26) at 6 months. Twelve individuals (11%) reported an NRS ≥ 3 at both time points and comprised the persistent pain group. Factors that predicted persistent pain after surgery in a multivariable analysis were: (a) ocular pain pre-surgery (b) symptom report of depression prior to surgery (Patient Health Questionnaire-9: PHQ9: odds ratio (OR) 1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.6, p=0.01); (c) use of an oral anti-allergy medication pre-surgery (OR 13.6, 95% CI 2.1-89.3, p=0.007). (d) pain intensity day 1 after surgery (OR: 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.2, p=0.005); Ocular surface signs of tear dysfunction were not related to pain complaints. Most individuals (>90%) were completely or somewhat satisfied with their vision at 3 and 6 months.Eleven percent of individuals reported persistent ocular pain after refractive surgery, with several pre- and peri-operative factors predicting pain after surgery.