Auricular point acupressure for reducing perioperative anxiety and pain during cataract surgery: a prospective randomized controlled clinical study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of auricular point acupressure (APA) in reducing perioperative anxiety and pain in patients undergoing cataract surgery under topical anesthesia.

METHODS

In this single-center prospective randomized controlled clinical study, 120 patients scheduled for phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation were randomly assigned to an APA group (n = 60) or a standard-care control group (n = 60). Anxiety was assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale at baseline, 30 min preoperatively, and one day postoperatively. Pain intensity was measured using the Numerical Rating Scale intraoperatively and one day after surgery. Intraoperative cooperation and the need for supplemental topical anesthesia were recorded.

RESULTS

Baseline anxiety scores were comparable between the control and the APA groups (17.33 ± 3.16 vs. 17.60 ± 2.65, P > 0.05). Thirty minutes before surgery, anxiety scores increased significantly in the control group but decreased markedly in the APA group (20.82 ± 3.57 vs. 10.63 ± 3.57, P < 0.01). Intraoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the APA group (0.15 ± 0.40 vs 2.78 ± 1.12, P < 0.01), and this difference persisted at one day postoperatively (0.03 ± 0.18 vs 1.50 ± 0.73, P < 0.01). Patients receiving APA demonstrated better intraoperative cooperation and required less supplemental anesthesia (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

APA appears to be an effective non-pharmacological adjunct for reducing perioperative anxiety and pain during cataract surgery.