Solving STODS-Surgical Temporary Ocular Discomfort Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Ocular Surface Disease
• Refractive Surgery

Background:

• Surgical Temporary Ocular Discomfort Syndrome (STODS) refers to ocular surface issues post-surgery.
• Guided Ocular Surface and Lid Disease (GOLD) optimization is crucial for refractive surgery success and STODS mitigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review STODS etiologies and propose tailored GOLD optimization strategies.
• To provide a rationale for optimizing the ocular surface and lid based on surgical type.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of STODS causes and GOLD optimization principles.
• Analysis of molecular, cellular, and anatomic factors affecting the ocular microenvironment.
• Clinical case examples of perioperative GOLD optimization.

Main Results:

• Understanding STODS requires knowledge of ocular surface microenvironment perturbations.
• Tailored GOLD optimization can be developed based on specific ocular surgical insults.
• Perioperative GOLD optimization can improve preoperative imaging and postoperative healing.

Conclusions:

• Effective GOLD optimization is essential for managing STODS.
• A personalized approach to GOLD optimization, considering the surgical insult, is recommended.
• Implementing GOLD optimization strategies can significantly improve patient outcomes after ocular surgery.