Music during cataract surgery: effect on anxiety.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Anesthesiology
• Psychology

Background:

• Cataract surgery can induce patient anxiety.
• Managing perioperative anxiety is crucial for patient well-being.
• Non-pharmacological interventions are sought to improve surgical experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of intraoperative patient-selected music on anxiety levels during cataract surgery.
• To assess if music influences the amount of sedative medication required.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, randomized, controlled trial involving 107 patients.
• Patients were assigned to either a music or a control group.
• Anxiety was measured using a modified State-Trait Anxiety Inventory survey.

Main Results:

• The music group reported significantly lower overall anxiety compared to the control group (P = .006).
• Patients listening to music experienced less fear, nervousness, and confusion during surgery (P < .05).
• No significant difference in sedative dosage or number of injections was observed between groups.

Conclusions:

• Intraoperative patient-selected music is an effective strategy for reducing anxiety in cataract surgery patients.
• Music offers a low-risk, cost-effective method to enhance the patient experience.
• This intervention directly influences patient-reported outcomes during surgical procedures.