Effective Strategies to Reduce Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery: An Umbrella Review

Anxiety, which involves feelings of tension, worry, and physiological changes in the body, can have significant impacts on patients, including an increased risk of mortality. In ophthalmic surgeries, particularly cataract procedures, anxiety levels tend to be high, often stemming from fears of blindness or surgical failure. This study aimed to determine the best and most effective interventions to reduce anxiety in patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Systematic reviews, with or without meta-analysis. Additionally, selected studies were required to meet two mandatory criteria from the Database of Abstracts of Reviewers of Effects and be English-language review articles published between January 2010 and 2025 that met these criteria and focused on anxiety reduction strategies in patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Finally, out of 75 relevant papers, 5 review studies with 9638 patients were eligible and included in the study. (1) Non-pharmacological interventions (educational videos, patient education, aromatherapy, relaxation techniques, etc.) significantly reduced mean preoperative anxiety compared to the control group. (SMD: -2.14, 95% CI: -3.48 to -0.79; p < 0.001). (2) Nursing techniques could reduce pain and anxiety during the operation (SMD = - 1.19; 95% (CI): -1.96 to -0.43; p = 0.002). (3) The use of anxiolytics (melatonin) could reduce postoperative anxiety in cataract patients. (SMD = - 0.55; 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.15; p = 0.007). (4) Music therapy.

This review study identified techniques and strategies to reduce stress in patients undergoing cataract surgery. These strategies, tailored to patient needs, can be implemented individually or in combination, and prioritizing individual patient needs to enhance patient well-being and lead to several positive clinical outcomes and potentially decrease healthcare costs. Future clinical trials are essential to the integration of new technologies and identifying the most effective methods for widespread implementation.