Periodic Trends in Internet Searches for Ocular Symptoms in the US.

PURPOSE: To identify periodic trends in internet searches for ocular symptoms and to determine the seasonal peaks and troughs. METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined publicly available Google Trends data from the United States (01/01/2015 to 12/31/2019). A list of common ocular symptoms was compiled from the American Academy of Ophthalmology Eye Health website and Wills Eye Manual. Ocular symptoms were stratified into categories involving vision change, eye pain, or eye redness. The search volume over time for each term was modeled using periodic regression functions and the goodness-of-fit was reported. Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the characteristics of periodic vs. non-periodic query terms. RESULTS: Seasonal trends were demonstrated by 45% (48/106) of the ocular symptoms included in this investigation. Search terms with best fit to the periodic model included stye (r2 = 0.89), pink eye (r2 = 0.82), dry eye (r2 = 0.76), blurry vision (r2 = 0.72), and swollen eye (r2 = 0.71). Periodic search terms were more likely to involve eye redness (21% vs. 11%, p = .014) and less likely to involve vision change (11% vs. 36%; p < .001). Periodic queries involving eye redness most often peaked in the spring and those involving eye pain peaked in the summer. CONCLUSION: Ocular symptom queries directly reflect seasonal trends for allergic eye disease and ocular trauma. Search query analyses can serve as accurate epidemiological tools with research and real-world clinical applications.

Ocular Pain Symptoms in Individuals With and Without a History of Refractive Surgery: Results From a Cross-Sectional Survey.

PURPOSE: This study characterized ocular pain symptoms in individuals with and without a history of refractive surgery (RS) using a cross-sectional survey of individuals with ocular pain. METHODS: A link to an anonymous survey was posted on a corneal neuralgia Facebook group that included individuals with ocular pain from any etiology and sent to individuals seen in our clinic with ocular pain. The survey asked about medical history, ocular pain symptoms (using standardized questionnaires), and treatment responses. Respondents were split into 2 groups based on a history of RS. RESULTS: One hundred one individuals responded to the survey. The mean age for all respondents was 41.6 ± 15.6 years, and 50% reported a history of RS. A total of 46% of individuals with a history of RS reported that their ocular pain started within 1 month of surgery, with median pain duration of 36 (interquartile range 22-84) months. The median Dry Eye Questionnaire-5 (range 0-22) scores were 16 and 15 for the RS and no-RS groups, respectively. Most individuals in both groups characterized their pain as burning (score ≥1: RS, 86%; no-RS, 80%) and reported evoked pain to wind, light, or temperature (score ≥1: RS, 97%; no-RS, 85%). Fifty-nine of 101 individuals responded to treatment questions. Individuals in both groups reported >30% improvement in pain symptoms with some topical and systemic approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with a history of RS developed ocular pain soon after surgery, which persisted for years. Symptom profiles were similar between those with and without RS. Topical and systemic approaches can treat pain in both groups.

Phantom eye pain: a multicentric study in 100 patients.

PURPOSE: Phantom eye syndrome (PES) is an underestimated complication of eye amputation (EA) characterized by phantom eye pain (PEP), phantom visions and/or phantom sensations. The aim of this study was to assess PEP prevalence, features, risk factors, social and psychological consequences and associated quality of life. METHODS: A questionnaire study was conducted in three oculoplastic departments between April 2016 and July 2017. Patients >18 years who had undergone EA ≥3 months earlier were included and asked to complete a prestamped questionnaire. Patient's characteristics, preoperative, surgical and postoperative data were collected. RESULTS: Of the 185 questionnaires given, 115 (62%) were returned for analysis. Hundred patients with a mean age of 65.1 years (29-92; SD = 13.0) were included. Eye amputation (EA) indications were uveal melanoma (n = 24, 24%), trauma (n = 20, 20%), retinal detachment (n = 20, 20%), glaucoma (n = 14, 14%) and endophthalmitis (n = 12, 12%). Forty-seven (47%), 30 (30%) and 38 (38%) patients experienced PEP, phantom visions and phantom sensations, respectively. Anxiety and depression [Hospital Anxiety Depression scale (HADS) score ≥8 for both] were diagnosed in 34 (34%) and 42 (42%) patients, respectively. The mean EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D visual analogue scale scores were 0.8 (0.06-1; SD = 0.2) and 68 (0-100; SD = 22), respectively. Preoperative eye pain (p = 0.031), glaucoma (p = 0.027), postoperative anxiety with HADS score ≥8 (p = 0.012) and ≥11 (p = 0.014), aesthetic discomfort (p = 0.002) and EQ-5D-3L score <0.8 (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with PEP in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, only anxiety (HADS score ≥8) was significantly associated with PEP (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Phantom eye pain (PEP) is a common complication of EA strongly associated with postoperative anxiety.

Sex Disparity in How Pain Sensitivity Influences Dry Eye Symptoms.

PURPOSE: Women have a higher dry eye disease prevalence compared with men, although only relatively minor differences in the ocular surface have been observed. Interestingly, a sex difference in pain sensitivity is known, and recent research suggests that pain sensitivity is associated with dry eye symptoms. This study attempts to discern whether the association between pain sensitivity and dry eye symptoms varies between women and men. METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, subjects were seen for one visit where they were asked to fill out a set of questionnaires consisting of the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and other dry eye questionnaires. This was followed by an ocular surface assessment on both eyes. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-seven subjects (194 women, 93 men) completed the study. Intersex differences in the ocular surface were noted. Even after accounting for these differences, an interaction effect between sex and Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire-minor score on dry eye symptoms was observed, with only women noting increased symptoms on the OSDI (P < 0.005) and other dry eye questionnaires (P values ranging from 0.01 to <0.005) with greater pain sensitivity. After controlling for other variables, women with the highest pain sensitivity had a 17-point higher OSDI score and greater symptoms, as reported by all the other dry questionnaires compared with their male counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: The role of pain sensitivity on dry eye symptoms appears to vary between women and men. This difference provides insight into why women have a significantly higher dry eye disease prevalence than men.

Eye Pain and Dry Eye in Patients with Fibromyalgia.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine visual function and eye symptoms in fibromyalgia patients, with a particular focus on dry eye syndrome and eye pain. Methods: A tertiary care center-based cross-sectional study was carried out in chronic musculoskeletal pain patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Chronic musculoskeletal pain patients without fibromyalgia were enrolled as a comparison group. Self-reported eye pain was investigated with the McGill pain questionnaire and the numeric rating scale. In addition, we assessed corrected visual acuity, vision-related quality of life, and self-reported dry eye syndrome. Results: A total of 90 musculoskeletal pain patients were included, with 66 patients fulfilling American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for fibromyalgia. Sixty-seven percent (95% confidence interval [CI] = 56%-78%) of the fibromyalgia patients reported eye pain, and 62% (95% CI = 43%-81%) of those were without fibromyalgia diagnosis. Sixty-seven percent (95% CI = 56%-78%) of the fibromyalgia patients reported an experience of dry eye compared with 76% (95% CI = 57%-95%) in the nonfibromyalgia group. Vision-related quality of life was noticeably reduced in both groups. Conclusions: Eye pain and dry eye are common in chronic pain patients, with comparable prevalence in musculoskeletal pain patients with and without fibromyalgia.

Prevalence and characteristics of ocular pain in non-infectious uveitis: a quality of life study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To survey the frequency, character, severity and impact of ocular pain on quality of life in adult patients with non-infectious uveitis (NIU). METHODS: This patient-requested cross-sectional survey study describes the results of three self-administered questionnaires (the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire, the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire Dutch Language Version) from 147 patients with NIUs from a university-based tertiary referral centre in Utrecht. RESULTS: The mean Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ) Ocular Pain Score of all patients with NIU was 72 (±24), which is significantly lower than an ocular disease-free reference group (90±15, P<0.0001), indicating more ocular pain. This was true for all types of NIU, regardless of the localisation: although Ocular Pain Scores were lower in patients with anterior uveitis (AU) compared with patients with non-AU (mean 62 (±24) vs 74 (±24), P=0.04), patients with non-AU still scored substantially lower than the reference group that had no ocular history (P<0.0001). Patients with NIU also scored significantly lower on all other VFQ subscales as well as on the SF-36 subscales 'Role Limitations due to physical problems', 'Vitality', 'General health' and 'Bodily Pain' compared with controls. The VFQ Ocular Pain subscale correlated with other quality of life subscales (both VFQ-25 and SF-36), indicating a relationship between pain and quality of life. CONCLUSION: This study shows that ocular pain is highly prevalent in patients with NIU, regardless of the localisation. Furthermore, ocular pain has an impact on quality of life.

Determinants of Ocular Pain Severity in Patients With Dry Eye Disease.

PURPOSE: To quantify the severity of ocular pain in patients with dry eye disease (DED) and evaluate factors associated with pain severity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Eighty-four patients with DED were asked to score their severity level of ocular pain using a 10-point scale, with 10 indicating the most severe pain. All patients also had a comprehensive ophthalmic assessment including a detailed history, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, and ocular surface examination. Regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with ocular pain severity. RESULTS: The mean OSDI score was 45.6 ± 23.1. At least some degree of ocular pain (score >1) was reported by 88.1% of patients, including mild pain (scores 2-4) in 46.4%, moderate pain (scores 5-7) in 34.5%, and severe pain (scores 8-10) in 7.1% of patients. Ocular pain levels significantly correlated with the OSDI score (rs = 0.49, P < .001). Regression analysis showed that the severity of ocular pain had a significant association with use of antidepressant medications (P = .045) but not with tear breakup time, corneal fluorescein staining, or ocular medications used by patients. In patients without pain, a significant correlation was seen between OSDI and corneal fluorescein staining scores (rs = 0.67, P = .01). However, such a correlation was not observed in those with ocular pain. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of patients with DED report some degree of ocular pain, which correlates only moderately with the OSDI score. Severity of ocular pain correlates with nonocular comorbidities such as use of antidepressant medications rather than with clinical signs of DED.

Risk of ocular manifestations in patients with giant cell arteritis: a nationwide study in Sweden.

OBJECTIVE: No large-scale nationwide study has determined the risk of ocular manifestations in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA). The aim was to study the incidence and risk factors of ocular manifestations in patients with GCA in Sweden. METHOD: A national cohort was created by linking Swedish nationwide registers. GCA patients were identified from the Swedish Hospital Inpatient and Outpatient Registers between 2002 and 2010, and were followed until the development of ocular manifestations. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for ocular manifestations in patients with GCA compared to those without GCA. RESULTS: We identified 3737 males and 8311 females with GCA. A total of 1618 individuals had subsequent ocular manifestations, representing 13.4% of the GCA patients. The overall SIR of ocular manifestations was 6.96 (95% CI 6.63-7.31). The risk for disorders of the optic nerve or visual tract was particularly high (SIR = 51.68, 95% CI 46.12-57.73). Men with GCA had a higher risk than women, and GCA patients without polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) symptoms had a higher risk than those with PMR symptoms. Living outside big cities was negatively associated with ocular manifestations in GCA patients, whereas hypertension and diabetes were associated with an increased risk of ocular manifestations. CONCLUSION: The overall risk of ocular manifestations was higher in GCA patients than in the general population, especially for men and for those without PMR symptoms.

Ophthalmic presentation of giant cell arteritis in African-Americans.

PurposeTo determine the differences in the presentation of ophthalmic giant cell arteritis between African-Americans and Caucasians.MethodsThis was a multicenter retrospective case series comparing African-American patients with ophthalmic GCA to a previously published Caucasian cohort. Neuro-ophthalmic centers across the United States were contacted to provide data on African-American patients with biopsy-proven ophthalmic giant cell arteritis. The differences between African-American and Caucasian patients with respect to multiple variables, including age, sex, systemic and ophthalmic signs and symptoms, ocular ischemic lesions, and laboratory results were studied.ResultsThe Caucasian cohort was slightly older (mean=76.1 years) than the African-American cohort (mean=72.6 years, P=0.03), and there was no difference in sex distribution between the two cohorts. Headache, neck pain, and anemia were more frequent, while jaw claudication was less frequent in African-Americans (P<0.01, <0.001, 0.02, and 0.03 respectively). Acute vision loss was the most common presentation of giant cell arteritis in both groups, though it was less common in African-Americans (78 vs 98% of Caucasians, P<0.001). Eye pain was more common in African-Americans (28 vs 8% of Caucasians, P<0.01).ConclusionsThe presenting features of ophthalmic giant cell arteritis in African-Americans and Caucasians are not markedly different, although a few significant differences exist, including higher rates of headache, neck pain, anemia, and eye pain, and lower rates of jaw claudication and acute vision loss in African-Americans. Persons presenting with suspicious signs and symptoms should undergo evaluation for giant cell arteritis regardless of race.

[Explantation of Multifocal Intraoular Lenses - Frequency, Causes and Course]. / Häufigkeit, Ursachen und Verlauf von Explantationen multifokaler Intraokularlinsen.

PURPOSE: Multifocal intraocular lenses (MF-IOL) are implanted for visual rehabilitation after cataract operation and refractive lens exchange (RLE). In this retrospective study, the frequency, causes and course of MF-IOL explantation are investigated. SETTING: Private eye clinic, Cologne, Germany. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2014, a total of 1438 eyes were supplied with a hydrophobic, aspherical, diffractive, multifocal posterior chamber lens (PCL) of type: Acrysof ReSTOR and ReSTOR toric, with near additions of + 2.5, + 3.0 and + 4.0 (Alcon, Fort Worth, USA). 78 % (n = 1116 eyes) were indicated because of a cataract and 22 % (n = 322 eyes) as RLE. All procedures were either performed by OK or GG, as ultrasound phacoemulsification under topical anaesthesia. Since 2013, a femtosecond laser (LensX, Alcon, Fort Worth the USA) has been used in some cases. Data analysis was performed with the help of the digital patient's recordings. RESULTS: In a total of 12 cases, the MF-IOL needed to be explanted. Causes for the explantation were strong deviations from the expected target refraction (4 eyes), epiretinal gliosis accompanied by surgically membrane peeling (2 eyes), optical discomfort (waxy vision, 4 eyes), unstable toric lens due to a vast zonulolysis (1 eye), and 5 years post-implantation glistening (1 eye). The overall frequency of MF-IOL explantationen was 0.83 %. The frequency of explantations due to specific optical side effects and discomfort was 0.28 %. In all cases, 12 months post MF-IOL explantation recovery was achieved to full visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Diffractive MF-IOL of the type Alcon Acrysof ReSTOR are generall very well accepted. In only 0.28 % of all cases, was an explantation performed on grounds of optical discomfort. In the other cases, the causes for explantation were not related to the optical geometry of the MF-IOL.

Post-Ebola Syndrome, Sierra Leone.

Thousands of persons have survived Ebola virus disease. Almost all survivors describe symptoms that persist or develop after hospital discharge. A cross-sectional survey of the symptoms of all survivors from the Ebola treatment unit (ETU) at 34th Regimental Military Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone (MH34), was conducted after discharge at their initial follow-up appointment within 3 weeks after their second negative PCR result. From its opening on December 1, 2014, through March 31, 2015, the MH34 ETU treated 84 persons (8-70 years of age) with PCR-confirmed Ebola virus disease, of whom 44 survived. Survivors reported musculoskeletal pain (70%), headache (48%), and ocular problems (14%). Those who reported headache had had lower admission cycle threshold Ebola PCR than did those who did not (p<0.03). This complete survivor cohort from 1 ETU enables analysis of the proportion of symptoms of post-Ebola syndrome. The Ebola epidemic is waning, but the effects of the disease will remain.

Comparing two different daily disposable lenses for improving discomfort related to contact lens wear.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare two daily disposable lenses to reduce lens-induced discomfort (CLD) among different populations of symptomatic wearers. METHODS: This was a multicenter, crossover, study. Subjects were contact lens wearers reporting CLD. Subjects (76) were randomly assigned to wear Nelfilcon A (NF) then Delefilcon A (DF)- group A- or vice-versa (group B). Tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal (CS) and conjunctival staining (CJS) were graded at every visit. Subjects'symptoms were evaluated with Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire (CLDEQ-8) and a research questionnaire (Université de Montréal). RESULTS: Compared to baseline (BL), TBUT did not vary (BL) 6.7+2.1s vs. 6.7+1.8s (NF) vs. 6.4+1.9 (DF) (F=1.69; p=0.201) NF wearers were more at risk of developing moderate CJS (odds ratio 14.324; 95% CI 3.103-66.126) and more likely to show increased CS (odds ratio 8.754; 95% CI 2.181-35.146). Comfortable hours of wear reported at BL (7.6+2.3h) did not improve significantly with NF lenses (8.5+ 2.6h; F=1.095; p=0.394) but increased by 22% with DF lenses (10.7+3.0h; F=2.434; p=0.031). The total CLDEQ-8 score was improved with DF lenses (BL 17.2 vs. NF 16.1, p=0.397; vs. DF 8.3, p<0.001), especially on more symptomatic subjects. In the end, 92% of patients preferred to switch over DD lenses, 78% selecting DF material for the future. CONCLUSION: Outcome from switching CLD wearers to DD lenses is material related. It seems that initial severity of the symptoms could be also a factor to consider.

Common symptoms of Nepalese soft contact lens wearers: A pilot study.

AIM: To determine the common symptoms in current soft contact lens (CL) wearers and their association with other factors among Nepalese population. METHODS: All the current CL wearers who started to wear soft CL in Nepal Eye Hospital between July 2007 and June 2012 were invited for the participation. Frequency of the ten most common symptoms, divided into never, occasionally, frequently and consistent were recorded. Association between degree of symptoms with other factors, e.g. age, gender, profession, cigarette smoking, ethnicity, level of education and duration and wearing modality of CL wear were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 129 subjects participated in this study, 67% were female; the mean age of the subjects was 23.9±4.3 years. Ninety seven percent of them had at least one symptom occasionally or frequently or consistently. Discomfort was found in 88.4% of the total subjects. Other common symptoms were foreign body sensation in 73.6%, redness in 65.9%, reduced wearing time in 63.6% and dryness in 62.8%. Symptoms were found occasionally in the majority of subjects. Degree of symptoms was not associated with age, gender, profession, education status, ethnicity of subjects and duration or modality of lens wear (p>0.05) but was positively associated with passive cigarette smoking (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Almost all of the Nepalese soft CL wearers had some types of symptoms at least occasionally. Discomfort was the most common symptom. Degree of symptoms was associated with the passive smoking but not with other factors like age, sex, profession and duration of lens wear.

[Retinoblastoma in Malawi: why are admissions too late?]. / Retinoblastom in Malawi : Warum zu späte Einweisung?

BACKGROUND: A total of 82 % of stationary admissions with the diagnosis of retinoblastoma (2009-2011) to the tertiary ophthalmology unit in Blantyre, Malawi (n = 58) presented with advanced stage disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In another study in 2012 we sought to identify why children mostly presented in advanced stages of disease and whether the delay was unique to children with cancer. In-depth interviews (IDI) were conducted at the hospital with 40 parents or guardians of children with retinoblastoma, congenital cataract, congenital glaucoma and corneal perforation (10 each). RESULTS: Most delays and delayed admissions occurred at the family (27.5 %, 11 out of 40) and primary health centre levels (30.0 %, 12 out of 40). Lack of money for transport caused delays (15.0 %, 6 out of 40) at all care levels. In contrast, children with painful conditions presented to a health facility within 24 h of onset without any complaints about lack of money for transport. CONCLUSION: Education about retinoblastoma and other non-painful eye diseases could be improved by a poster campaign to both parents and professionals at all medical healthcare levels. Transport for such cases between the various healthcare centers should be provided free of charge. There is room for improvement in initial diagnosis, referral and management within the healthcare service in the tertiary sector.

The use of daily disposable lenses in problematic reusable contact lens wearers.

PURPOSE: Replacing soft contact lenses (CLs) on a daily basis brings a number of advantages, most notably, reduced exposure to deposits, disinfectants, allergens, and other contaminants. This retrospective study estimated the prevalence of problems in current wearers of reusable soft CLs and tested the effect of refitting "problem" patients with daily disposable (DD) hydrogel lenses. METHODS: Prevalence was estimated from 398 current reusable CL wearers for: frequent/constant discomfort or dryness, ≥2 h of uncomfortable wear, ≥grade 2 conjunctival hyperaemia (0-4), or ≥grade 3 corneal staining (0-15). In the second part of the study, 217 reusable CL wearers classified as problem patients were randomly refitted with DD lenses manufactured from one of two materials: etafilcon A (n=96) or nelfilcon A (n=121) and reassessed 1 week later. RESULTS: Thirty-nine percent (154/398) had some qualifying criterion: reduced comfortable wearing time (CWT), 20%; dryness, 20%; irritation, 5%; corneal staining, 8%; and hyperaemia, 7%. After refitting with DDs, the prevalence of reduced CWT was decreased from 65% to 51% (P=0.0039), dryness from 60% to 41% (P < 0.0001) and corneal staining from 28% to 21% (P=0.04). There was no significant change in the prevalence of irritation, or hyperaemia. Some differences were noted between the two lens materials. CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of reusable soft lens wearers encounter clinically relevant signs or symptoms with their current CLs. This study provides evidence that refitting with DD lenses is a useful strategy for alleviating some of the common problems of CL wear.

Enucleation in Iceland 1992-2004: study in a defined population.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence rate as well as causative diagnoses and surgical indications of enucleation in Iceland during the years 1992-2004. METHODS: A retrospective population-based incidence study involving the entire population of Iceland. Medical records of all patients who underwent enucleation in Iceland from January 1992 through December 2004 were reviewed. The annually updated Icelandic census was used as a denominator data. RESULTS: Fifty-six eyes were enucleated during 1992-2004. No eviscerations were done, and the three exenterations performed were not included in the study. The mean annual age-adjusted incidence rate of enucleation in Iceland was 1.48 enucleations per 100 000 population in comparison with 2.66 enucleations per 100 000 for the time period 1964-1991. With advancing age, a significant increasing linear trend existed (p < 0.001). The median age at enucleation was 51 years (SD 22; mean 55 years; 16-91 years). The three most common surgical indications for enucleation were blind painful eye, suspected ocular malignancy and acute trauma. The most common causative diagnosis for enucleation was traumatic lesion (39%). The annual incidence was 2.00 enucleations per 100 000 for men and 0.95 for women. There were significantly more men in the traumatic lesion group (p < 0.001), but no gender predominance was found in the other groups of causative diagnoses (p = 0.8). CONCLUSION: The overall mean annual incidence of enucleation in Iceland is continually decreasing, although the incidence of severe ocular trauma and ocular malignancy is fairly stable.

Postoperative pain after cataract surgery.

Cataract extraction surgery is the most common surgical procedure, but knowledge of postoperative pain related to cataract surgery is sparse. In this systematic review, the incidence, prevalence, and management of pain after phacoemulsification surgery were identified using PubMed and Scopus. Selected studies were restricted to randomized controlled trials with interventions on postoperative inflammation and pain. Data from 105 articles were extracted and 21 studies met the final inclusion criteria. Most studies reported no or only mild postoperative pain, but some reported moderate and severe pain and pain lasting several weeks. The interventions consisted of drug therapy including topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, paracetamol, perioperative intraocular injections, eye pads used after surgery, and various surgical techniques. The reviewed literature indicates that cataract surgery is associated with significant postoperative pain in some patients, who should be provided with appropriate counseling and pain treatment.

Is second eye phacoemulsification really more painful?

AIM: To demonstrate a numerical data set for intraoperative pain during phacoemulsification and compare the pain scores for first and second procedures. METHODS: From 200 consecutive cases requiring bilateral cataract removals 187 were enrolled into this prospective, observational, single-surgeon, single-centre study. To evaluate the pain a 10-point visual analogue scale was used. The pain scores for both eyes of each patient were collected perioperatively (T) as well as 2-4 weeks (mean: 2.43 weeks) later, at the follow-up visit (C). Data were pooled and the four groups were compared by ANOVA All Pairweise Multiple Comparison Procedures. RESULTS: Median C-score was 1 for both eyes, T-score was 1 and 0 for the first and second eye, respectively. There wasn't any difference between the first and second eyes either in T- (1.50 ± 1.43 vs 1.51 ± 1.36) or in C-scores (0.71 vs 1.10). C-values were lower than T-values for either eye (0.71 vs 1.50 and 1.10 vs 1.51), indicating that patients recalled less pain 2-3 weeks after the surgery than that they indicated on the day of the procedure CONCLUSIONS: Consecutive phacoemulsifications do not differ in the perceived pain nevertheless, patients may believe the second eye surgery more painful because they practically compare it with the lower remembered pain for the first eye procedure. In order to avoid any disappointment we suggest warning patients before their second eye operations that they are likely to experience more pain or discomfort.

Effect of mild conjunctivitis complication on tear balance in dry eye.

Inflammation of the ocular surface influences the stability of tear fluid. Mild conjunctivitis is often associated with dry-eye patients. The effect of mild conjunctivitis complication on tear break-up time (BUT) in patients with dry eyes was investigated. A total of 93 patients with dry eyes, excluding those having moderate to severe conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, previous ocular surgery, or who use contact lenses, were divided into those with and without mild conjunctivitis, and the BUT was compared. Fifty-four cases were complicated by mild conjunctivitis, conjunctival papilla formation was observed in 40 of these, and the mean BUT was 3.54±1.02 s. The mean BUT in 39 patients without conjunctivitis was 3.41±1.04 s, showing no significant difference between the groups (p=0.56). Allergic conjunctivitis was frequently observed in patients with dry eyes, but the complication of mild conjunctivitis had no influence on BUT.