Clinical Scorecard: Navigating Surgical Temporary Ocular Discomfort Syndrome (STODS)

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• STODS is a transient disturbance to the ocular surface post-surgery, lasting days to weeks.
• It is distinct from chronic dry eye disease (DED) and resolves with time.
• Preoperative ocular surface health is critical for optimal surgical outcomes.
• Proactive management of ocular surface can reduce STODS severity.
• Diagnosis involves patient-reported symptoms and objective testing.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Combine patient-reported symptoms with clinical examination and diagnostic testing.
• Focus on visual acuity and tear film stability.

Management

• Use preservative-free artificial tears and ocular lubricants.
• Consider short-term use of topical steroids and immunomodulators.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Assess tear film stability and ocular surface health postoperatively.

Risks

• Patients with pre-existing dry eye are at increased risk for STODS.
• Inaccurate preoperative measurements can lead to unexpected refractive outcomes.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients undergoing cataract and refractive surgery.

Proactive treatment of ocular surface issues before surgery can minimize STODS risk.

Clinical Best Practices

• Conduct thorough ocular surface assessments preoperatively.
• Utilize high-quality artificial tears postoperatively.
• Educate patients about the potential for STODS and its management.

References

• Montés-Micó R. Role of the tear film in the optical quality of the human eye.
• Khoramnia R, et al. Refractive outcomes after cataract surgery.
• Goto E, et al. Impaired functional visual acuity of dry eye patients.