The Journal of Practical Medicine ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (2): 215-219.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-5725.2025.02.009

• Clinical Research • Previous Articles    

Changes in the ocular surface of patients with trigeminal neuralgia treated with percutaneous balloon compression of the trigeminal ganglion

Rui LIU,Shijuan WANG,Tieniu ZHENG,Wensheng. CHEN()   

  1. Department of Ophthalmology,the Second People's Hospital of Nanyang City,Xinxiang Medical College,Nanyang 453000,He′nan,China
  • Received:2024-10-16 Online:2025-01-25 Published:2025-01-26
  • Contact: Wensheng. CHEN E-mail:15959231369@163.com

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the effect of percutaneous balloon compression on the ocular surface in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Methods A total of 30 patients (60 eyes) diagnosed with TN who underwent parallel balloon compression surgery from May 2023 to June 2024 were included in the study. Corneal sensation, Schirmer I test results, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining scores were evaluated in both eyes one day before and one day after the surgery. Results The tear secretion values and TBUT in both eyes of TN patients were lower than normal. Preoperatively, there were no statistically significant differences in various ocular examinations between the two eyes (P = 0.144, P = 0.072, P = 0.069, P = 1.000). One day postoperatively, the corneal sensitivity, tear secretion value, and TBUT of the affected eye were significantly lower compared to the contralateral eye (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01), while the fluorescein staining score showed a slight increase but was not statistically significant (P = 0.157). Compared to preoperative levels, the postoperative corneal sensitivity, tear secretion value, and TBUT of the affected side were significantly reduced (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01), while the fluorescein staining score showed a slight increase but remained non?significant (P = 0.157). Conclusions TN patients patients exhibit reduced bilateral tear secretion and compromised tear film stability. Following balloon compression surgery, the corneal sensitivity of the affected eye diminishes, leading to a further decline in tear secretion and tear film stability. Consequently, it is imperative that TN patients receive ophthalmic intervention, treatment, and regular follow?up, irrespective of whether they undergo surgery.

Key words: trigeminal neuralgia, balloon compression surgery, ocular surface changes

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