Navigating Surgical Temporary Ocular Discomfort Syndrome (STODS)

Addressing ocular surface issues before surgery enhances intraoperative performance and sets the stage for long-term patient satisfaction.

By: Vance Thompson, MD

Ophthalmology Management June 1, 2025 Vol 29, Issue June 2025 Page(s): 20-21

5 Key Takeaways

1

Addressing ocular surface issues preoperatively enhances surgical performance and long-term patient satisfaction.
2

Surgical temporary ocular discomfort syndrome (STODS) is a transient condition affecting patients post-cataract and refractive surgery.
3

STODS symptoms include discomfort, visual disturbances, and dissatisfaction, differing from chronic dry eye disease.
4

Proactive management of ocular surface health before and after surgery is crucial to minimize STODS severity.
5

Diagnosis of STODS involves patient-reported symptoms and clinical tests, with treatments aimed at restoring ocular surface health.

Vance Thompson, MD

Specialties: Ophthalmology; cataract and refractive surgery

Bio: Vance Thompson, MD, is an ophthalmologist whose clinical writing focuses on presbyopia care, cataract surgery, and multifocal intraocular lens outcomes. In Presbyopia Physician, he has written about optimizing the multifocal implant journey through patient selection, expectation-setting, tear film treatment, implant centration, posterior capsule management, and refractive precision.

PentaVision

Ophthalmology Management

Navigating Surgical Temporary Ocular Discomfort Syndrome (STODS)

5 Key Takeaways

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