A prospective study was conducted to compare pain after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) with cold versus room temperature bandage contact lenses, as well as to identify associated molecular factors. Results indicate that cold temperature may be effective in controlling postoperative pain, with no delay in epithelial healing and no risk of postoperative infection. A significant increase in expression of the transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channel was also observed, indicating plausible impact at the molecular level.

Financial Disclosure: Drs. Nikhil Ashok, Arkasubhra Ghosh, Pooja Khamar, Swaminathan Sethu, Rohit Shetty, and Sailie Shirodkar discloses no financial relationships.