COSP Comanagement and Making COSP Part of Every Eye Exam

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Marc R. Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO, and Laura M. Periman, MD, explain the benefits of making diagnosis of chronic ocular surface pain (COSP) a part of every eye exam. They also share pearls for identifying whether pain is peripheral or centralized and how that can guide treatment strategies.

Posted: 6/25/2025

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What is Chronic Ocular Surface Pain?

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Patient Reported Symptoms of Chronic Ocular Surface Pain

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How is COSP Diagnosed?

Marc R. Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO; and Laura M. Periman, MD

COSP Comanagement and Making COSP Part of Every Eye Exam

Marc R. Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO; and Laura M. Periman, MD

COSP Comanagement and Making COSP Part of Every Eye Exam

Marc R. Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO, and Laura M. Periman, MD, explain the benefits of making diagnosis of chronic ocular surface pain (COSP) a part of every eye exam. They also share pearls for identifying whether pain is peripheral or centralized and how that can guide treatment strategies.

Posted: 6/25/2025

About CHRONIC OCULAR SURFACE PAIN (COSP)

Many eye care patients may have Chronic Ocular Surface Pain (COSP), defined as a feeling of pain originating from the ocular surface that persists for more than three months4. COSP is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. It’s important to learn how to diagnose COSP in your practice.

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2. Kalangara JP, Galor A, Levitt RC, et al. Characteristics of Ocular Pain Complaints in Patients With Idiopathic Dry Eye Symptoms. Eye Contact Lens. 2017;43(3):192-198. doi:10.1097/ICL.0000000000000249

3. Crane AM, Feuer W, Felix ER, et al. Evidence of central sensitisation in those with dry eye symptoms and neuropathic-like ocular pain complaints: incomplete response to topical anaesthesia and generalised heightened sensitivity to evoked pain. Br J Ophthalmol. 2017;101:1238-43.

4. Galor A, Hamrah P, Haque S, Attal N, Labetoulle M. Understanding chronic ocular surface pain: An unmet need for targeted drug therapy. Ocul Surf. 2022 Oct;26:148-156. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2022.08.005.