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Three Different Protocols of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking in Keratoconus: Conventional, Accelerated and Iontophoresis
Published on: November 12, 2015
Postoperative pain after corneal collagen cross-linking
Vinícius C Ghanem1, Ramon C Ghanem, Renan de Oliveira
1Cornea Department, Sadalla Amin Ghanem Eye Hospital, Joinville, Brazil. vcghanem@hotmail.com
Cornea
|May 2, 2012
Summary
Postoperative pain after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) can be intense initially but significantly decreases daily. Younger patients reported more pain, highlighting age as a key factor in CXL pain management.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Pain Management
Background:
- Progressive keratoconus requires effective treatment.
- Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a standard procedure for keratoconus.
- Understanding postoperative pain is crucial for patient recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the intensity and duration of postoperative pain following corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL).
- To assess the effectiveness of a pain management regimen.
- To investigate factors correlating with postoperative pain.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 178 eyes from 135 patients undergoing CXL for progressive keratoconus.
- Pain assessed using codeine analgesia requirements and the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale up to postoperative day 5.
- Correlation analysis with preoperative keratometric and pachymetry readings.
Main Results:
- Patient-scored pain significantly decreased from 2.78 on surgery day to 0.12 on postoperative day 5.
- Codeine use showed a significant daily reduction.
- Younger age correlated with increased pain and analgesic need.
Conclusions:
- Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) can cause significant postoperative pain, particularly in the initial days.
- Pain and analgesic requirements diminish substantially with each postoperative day.
- Patient age is a significant factor influencing pain perception after CXL.
