Neuropathic corneal pain more debilitating than dry eye disease, study finds

Neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) is more debilitating than dry eye disease (DED), leading to more severe symptoms and a significantly greater negative impact on patients’ quality of life (QoL) across various aspects, including daily living, emotional well-being, and sensitivity to stimuli.

The study involved 150 patients, with 50 diagnosed with NCP and 100 with DED. Researchers assessed symptoms and QoL using the Ocular Pain Assessment Survey and Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaires, alongside ocular surface evaluations.

The findings revealed that patients with NCP experienced significantly worse symptoms and QoL compared to those with DED. Although NCP patients had better ocular surface and tear break-up time scores, they reported more severe pain, more frequent burning sensations, and greater sensitivity to stimuli. In addition, the NCP group showed worse overall QoL, particularly in daily living, vision-related functions, and emotional well-being.

Reference
Chin JY, Tong L, Liu C, et al. Quality of Life and Symptomatology in Neuropathic Corneal Pain in Comparison With Dry Eye Syndrome. Cornea. 2024;doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000003674. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39160657.