Treatment of chronic ocular pain by selective thermocoagulation of the trigeminal ganglion

We used graded radiofrequency heating to destroy pain fibers in the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal ganglion while sparing most of the touch fibers in nine patients (seven men and two women, ranging in age from 51 to 74 years) with chronic ocular pain. All nine experienced immediate and complete pain relief. Although one patient required a second procedure after 57 months, the other eight have been pain-free for 44 to 59 months. There were no serious complications. The corneal reflex was preserved and there was no damage to the optic or extraocular muscles.