Hypnosis in photoablative refractive surgery: monocentric prospective study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of hypnosis in anxiety, fear control, and surgical ease in refractive surgery.

SETTING

1 single outpatient ophthalmological clinic in Belgium.

DESIGN

Monocentric randomized prospective study conducted from September 2024 to March 2025.

METHODS

34 patients aged 18 to 60 were randomized into 2 groups: standard care (photorefractive keratectomy or laser in situ keratomileusis) (control) and standard care plus hypnosis (experimental) where patients underwent real-time hypnosis during surgery. Anxiety levels were measured preoperatively and postoperatively using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale, along with heart rate monitoring and surgeon-rated intraoperative parameters. Patient satisfaction and communication quality were also assessed.

RESULTS

Anxiety scores were similar across groups, with no significant hemodynamic differences. However, the hypnosis group showed significantly better co-operation ( P = .004) and surgical comfort ( P < .0001). They also reported higher intraoperative comfort, satisfaction, and communication quality ( P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that conversational hypnosis significantly enhances patient experience and surgical co-operation during refractive laser surgery, despite no effect on physiological markers. It represents a promising adjunct relaxing technique useful in outpatient settings.