Comparison of Pregabalin and Placebo Effects in Treating Eye Pain Following Cataract Surgery by Phacoemulsification Method

Fardin Yousefshahi; Hossein  Majedi Ardakani; Mehdi Sanatkar; Reza  Atef Yekta; Alireza Takzare; Ebrahim Espahbodi

doi:10.18502/acta.v59i6.6892

Fardin Yousefshahi Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hossein Majedi Ardakani Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mehdi Sanatkar Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Reza Atef Yekta Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Alireza Takzare Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Ebrahim Espahbodi Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/acta.v59i6.6892

Keywords: Pregabalin; Eye pain; Cataract surgery

Abstract

Cataract surgery sometimes is associated with adverse effects, such as dryness, burning, and patient discomfort. This study evaluates the treatment of dry eye syndrome and pain caused by corneal damage following cataract surgery with pregabalin compared to placebo. In our double-blind clinical trial, a total of 60 cases were divided into two groups. The pain score was assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and the impact of pain and dryness on the patient's performance was evaluated by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). The patient's pain score was evaluated postoperatively and followed for six weeks after the procedure. After the sixth week of the study, NRS, BPI, and photophobia in the pregabalin group were significantly different from the placebo group. Pregabalin can significantly reduce chronic and resistant eye pain after cataract surgery.