Loeser J, Schwemmer J, Gostian AO, et al. - In this prospective study, researchers assessed postoperative pain following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Study participants completed perioperatively (day before surgery, day of surgery, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd day after surgery) four different questionnaires (a hospital internal protocol, QUIPS, PainDETECT®, and SF36) regarding their pain and other clinical parameters like constipation, tiredness, vertigo, sleep disorders, concentration disorders, nausea, and emesis. To quantify average pain intensity and maximum pain intensity (NRS, 0 [no pain] to 10 [maximal pain], respectively), all standardised questionnaires were assessed. During the perioperative stay, analgesic treatment and intraocular pressure (IOP) were documented. Data reported that mean average pain intensity was 0.70 ± 1.64 before surgery, 1.97 ± 2.05 on the day of surgery, 1.39 ± 1.68 on day 1, 0.87 ± 1.36 on day 2, and 0.81 ± 1.24 on day 3 after surgery. It was noted that maximum pain intensity was 0.65 ± 1.81 before surgery, 3.35 ± 2.98 on the day of surgery, 2.68 ± 2.99 on day 1, 1.49 ± 2.15 on day 2, and 1.26 ± 2.02 on day 3 after surgery. Over 90% of the patients stated no or well tolerable pain during the first three postoperative days. Findings suggested an association of DMEK with low postoperative pain intensity. The strong rise in pain may show elevation of IOP and further investigation and treatment should be undertaken.