What is Ophthlmodynia Periodica?
Ophthalmodynia periodica is a very long medical term for very painful pain occurring around and/or through the eye. These pains can be very excruciating and are many times described like a knife or dagger through the eye. The shooting pains usually last only seconds but may occur as a series of shooting pains. They may last for several days or longer but usually disappear with time. Ophthalmodynia periodica may return months or years later. They are usually unilateral occurring only on one side of the face or ocular area at a time. If they return, they can develop on either side.
Ophthalmodynia Periodica Compared to Other Eye Pain
People with tension headaches and pain from eyestrain due to blurred vision do not describe their pain in this way of intermittent shooting or stabbing pain which usually lasts only seconds or not very much longer. Migraines and other forms of vascular headaches or pain as well do not describe their pain in such a manner. Migraines may have a very sharp severe pain component but are not intermittent lasting only short period of time.
Etiology of Ophthalmodynia Periodica
There have been many theories for the etiology of ophthlmodynia periodica but none have been proven. These episodes come and go without any harm to the eye or related to the occurrence of any eye disease. It may be as simple as a spasm around the eye just like when an eyelid intermittently twitches. No treatment is warranted.
Diagnosis of Ophthalmodynia Periodica
A careful eye history and complete eye examination are indicated to rule out any localized eye disease that could account for the pain around the eye. In true ophthlmodynia periodica, the eye examination is normal and further work up is not needed.
Treatment of Ophthalmodynia Periodica
No treatmnet is indicated as there is no related ocular damage from ophthalmodynia periodica
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