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Eye pain is a common complaint among optometry patients, so how do you approach it? While some cases of eye pain can be benign, a thorough eye pain assessment is crucial for ruling out more serious causes.
Here are the best strategies to ensure patients feel listened to and understood when they report pain or discomfort.
Communicate With Open-Ended Questions and Pain Assessment Tools
When patients complain of pain or discomfort, asking open-ended questions is always a good place to start. This approach allows the patient to share their experiences and add any relevant details that can lead to a more accurate diagnosis.
Next, quantify the pain with pain assessment tools. The Ocular Pain Assessment Survey (OPAS) is a helpful tool for rating the intensity of the pain and precisely identifying the location of the pain.
Though not initially developed for optometrists, the OPQRST assessment can also be a good supplemental tool to use. It asks questions about activities that aggravate the pain and provides examples of questions to determine whether the pain is dull, sharp, or has another quality.
Better Understanding Eye Pain With Active Listening and Follow-Up Questions
Use active listening to rephrase the patient’s words and ask for confirmation. Because describing pain can be subjective, it’s a great way to ensure you have an accurate idea of what the patient is experiencing.
You should also ask follow-up questions to better understand the pain’s location, frequency, and severity. These questions not only help patients feel understood but also aid in diagnosis.
Esthesiometry Tools and Additional Pain Assessment
Next, create a personalized diagnosis plan. Corneal esthesiometers might be needed to measure corneal sensitivity, or you might need to perform a slit-lamp exam to look for structural issues within the eye.
Additional assessments can include a visual observation, allergy testing, or measuring eye pressure with a tonometer.
Developing a Pain Management Plan
Ensure every patient with ocular pain leaves with a customized pain management plan. A pain management plan can include:
- A follow-up appointment for further testing.
- A referral to a specialist.
- Strategies for preventing or managing the pain at home.
- A prescription.
Facilitate Access to Quality Vision Care With VCD
Did you know 5 million Americans visited a doctor for eye pain from 2008 to 2019? Ocular pain and discomfort are common symptoms, and you can help these patients get the care they need by joining the Vision Care Direct family.
Besides making affordable eye exams more accessible, accepting our plans helps patients comply with their pain management plans and schedule regular follow-up exams as needed. Learn more about the benefits for providers like yourself!
