Three cases presenting neuropathic like ocular pain

Abstract

We have experienced three cases of refractory ocular pain similar to dry eye symptoms which did not respond to treatment by a specialized ophthalmologist. We successfully performed diagnostic treatment including drug therapy and nerve block based on our own protocol, leading to a presumed diagnosis of peripheral or central sensitization. In the ophthalmic field, there have been some reports of neuropathic ocular pain that deviates from objective findings but differs from the definition of neuropathic pain by the International Society of Pain. Here we presented these three cases of neuropathic-like ocular pain, which demonstrate the need to accurately understand the pathophysiology and treatment of this condition.