Pain and cooperation in patients having dominant-side or nondominant-side phacoemulsification

Comparison of pain between bilateral ICL surgeries in patients with myopia

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the preoperative anxiety, aqueous humor monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) concentration, intraoperative pain, and degree of cooperation of the first eye implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery with the second eye surgery, of the 1-day interval group with the 1-week interval group, and to investigate the possible causes of these differences, as well as to determine the appropriate interval between bilateral eye ICL surgeries.

METHOD

The study was a prospective observational study. A total of 120 patients who underwent bilateral ICL surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, from July to September 2023, were enrolled. The patients were divided into a 1-day interval group and a 1-week interval group. The ICL surgery was performed on both eyes according to the schedule. Anxiety levels, aqueous humor MCP1, cooperativeness, surgical time, pain and satisfaction, and patients' estimations of the time spent in the operation were recorded for each eye. The patients were instructed to recall the intraoperative pain of the first eye surgery after the operation of the second eye. Statistical analyses (two independent samples t-test,two paired samples t-test, the rank-sum test, the chi-square test, non-parametric test with multiple independent samples) were performed to compare the differences between each score in both eyes and two groups. Furthermore, we examined the relationship between pain levels and the reproductive history of the patients.

RESULTS

In the 1-day interval group, male/female is 22/52, average age is 25.24±5.00. In the 1-week interval group, male/female is 17/29, average age is 25.39±5.57. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. In both groups, patients were less nervous, had significantly more pain, had less surgical satisfaction, had a longer estimated operative time, and had elevated preoperative MCP1 during the second eye operation. In the second eye surgery, the patient's cooperation worsened, but it did not lead to an increase in surgical time. A significant proportion of patients, particularly in the 1-week interval group, recalled experiencing reduced pain during the first eye surgery. The 1-week interval group had a higher difference in all indicators between the bilateral surgeries. In the second eye surgery, patients in the 1-week interval group experienced more severe pain, less cooperation, longer estimated operation duration, and a greater MCP1 than those in the 1-day interval group.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing second eye ICL surgery had decreased nervousness, increased pain, decreased cooperation, and satisfaction, and increased MCP1 compared to the first eye surgery. It is recommended that an interval of about one week should be avoided between bilateral surgeries when developing a surgical schedule to improve patients' cooperation, satisfaction, and comfort.

The Effect of Binaural Beat Audio on Operative Pain and Anxiety in Cataract Surgery under Topical Anaesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The aim of this paper was to examine the analgesic and anxiolytic effects of binaural beat audio in patients undergoing cataract surgery under topical anaesthesia. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial of 61 patients undergoing cataract surgery under topical anaesthesia. They were divided into two research conditions; the binaural beat audio group, and a sham-control group (ear phones with no music). Patients completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire (STAI), and their blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured pre- and post-intervention. Intraoperative pain levels were ascertained using a visual analog scale (VAS) completed immediately after the surgery. Results: The binaural beat group had significantly lower pain scores (p < 0.001), HR (p < 0.001), diastolic BP (p = 0.003), mean arterial pressure (p = 0.007) and anxiety (p = 0.009) than the control group. Within the binaural beat group, subjects experienced a statistically significant reduction in HR (p = 0.004) and anxiety (p < 0.001) levels compared to baseline values, while all parameters, except anxiety, increased significantly in the control group. Conclusions: Binaural beat audio decreases operative pain and anxiety in cataract surgery under topical anaesthesia. It may have additional benefits in modulating the tachycardic response to stress.

Effect of Video Counselling Versus Verbal Counselling on Patient's experience during phacoemulsification under topical anaesthesia

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of video and verbal counselling on patients' undergoing phacoemulsification under topical anaesthesia.

Methods

This is a prospective randomized controlled trial conducted at Aravind Eye Care System, Pondicherry, India. All patients had a 15 ​min one-on-one verbal counselling covering surgical technique, implant options, anaesthesia and payment options one day prior to surgery. On the day of surgery, patients were randomized into two groups; in the first group, patients were provided with video counselling and in the second group, patients were given verbal counselling prior to undergoing phacoemulsification under topical anaesthesia. Measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, and the Likert-scale anxiety rating were collected at preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative time points.

Results

A group of 186 patients (aged 45-70 years) were provided video counselling via portable iPad before first-time phacoemulsification, and a second group of 186 patients underwent surgery with verbal counselling. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements were lower in both the video and verbally counselled groups during the intraoperative time point. Furthermore, during the intraoperative period, 123 (66.1%) video counselled patients felt relaxed compared to 119 (64%) patients who were provided verbal counselling (P ​= ​0.6636). Patient cooperation during surgery was excellent in 76(40.9%) video counselled patients and 67(36%) verbally counselled patients (P ​= ​0.3374). 25.8% and 21% (P ​= ​0.2703) of patients experienced no pain during surgery in the video and verbal counselled groups respectively.

Conclusions

Although measures such as pulse rate, respiratory rate and feelings of relaxation did not show significant differences among the two groups of video and verbal counselling, patients marked cooperation during surgery and furthermore, the level of anxiety is most reassuring.

A prospective observational cohort study to evaluate patients' experience during sequential cataract surgery under monitored anesthesia care and topical anesthesia

Cataract surgery is the most common ambulatory surgery at our outpatient surgery center. Several studies have shown that patients with bilateral cataracts may experience different levels of anxiety, pain, and awareness during the first and second cataract extraction.A prospective observational cohort study was conducted at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Eye and Ear Institute in order to compare anxiety, general comfort, awareness, and pain levels in patients undergoing sequential cataract surgeries. Likert and numerical rating scale were used to assess the outcomes. Patients receiving monitored anesthesia care and topical anesthesia were included.A total of 198 patients were enrolled in this study, 116 patients (59%) were female and 157 patients (78%) were Caucasians with a median age of 67 years among participants. Patients with rating "no anxiety" or feeling "somewhat anxious" were significantly higher during surgery 2 (P =< .001). Most of the patients felt "extremely comfortable" during surgery 1 when compared to surgery 2 (54% vs 42.9%; P = .08). No significant differences were found between surgeries regarding intraoperative awareness (P = .16). Overall, patients experienced mild pain during both procedures (92.4% in surgery 1 compared to 90.4% in surgery 2; P = .55). During the postoperative visit, 54% of the patients associated surgery 2 with less anxiety levels, 53% with no differences in general comfort, 60% felt more aware, and 59% had no differences in pain levels.Previous exposure to surgery could have been associated with a significant reduction in anxiety levels reported during surgery 2. Non-pharmacological strategies aiming to reduce perioperative anxiety may be considered an alternative or additional approach to premedication in patients undergoing consecutive cataract surgeries.

The effect of eye dominancy on patients' cooperation and perceived pain during photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE

To find a possible association between patients' cooperation, perceived pain, and ocular dominance in patients who undergo photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

METHODS

One hundred-one eligible candidates for PRK refractive surgery were recruited. Preoperative exams were performed for all patients, and the dominant eye was specified. The surgeon was unaware about which eye was dominant. After surgery, the surgeon completed a cooperation score form for each patient. Ocular cyclotorsion, cooperation, and perceived pain scores were compared between the first-second eye surgeries and between dominant-non-dominant eyes surgeries.

RESULTS

The dominant eye was the right eye in 68 patients and the left eye in 33 patients. First, eye surgery was performed on the dominant eye in 56 patients and on the non-dominant eye in 45 patients. Cooperation score and perceived pain were not significantly different between the first and second eye surgeries (P = 0.902 and P = 0.223, respectively), but cyclotorsion was more in the second eye (P = 0.031). Cooperation score, pain score, and cyclotorsion were not significantly different between dominant and non-dominant eye surgeries (P = 0.538, P = 0.581, and P = 0.193, respectively). Also, there was no correlation between cooperation score and duration of the surgery for the first or second eye (P = 0.12 and P = 0.78).

CONCLUSION

During PRK surgery, the patients' cooperation and perceived pain did not seem to be associated with eye laterality or dominancy.

Comparison of pain during intravitreal dexamethasone, ranibizumab and aflibercept injection

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare pain scores of patients during intravitreal aflibercept, ranibizumab or dexamethasone implant injection procedures.

METHODS

This study included 162 eyes of 162 patients, who received intravitreal ranibizumab, aflibercept or dexamethasone implant injections at our clinic. Following the injection, patients were asked to rate their pain from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain) using a visual analogue pain score survey (VAS). VAS was evaluated according to age, sex, indication for the injection, number of previous intravitreal injections, and lens status in the study eye.

RESULTS

The mean VAS in the ranibizumab, aflibercept or dexamethasone implant groups was 3.38 ± 2.31, 3.82 ± 2.46, and 3.61 ± 2.94, respectively. Female patients reported a higher average pain score than male patients (p = 0.02). Also, phakic patients reported a higher average pain score than pseudophakic patients (p = 0.01). Pain did not significantly correlate with indication for the injection, number of injections, and injection drugs (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pain associated with intravitreal injection is generally mild and associated with sex, age, and lens status. There was no significant difference in pain between intravitreal injections of dexamethasone implant, ranibizumab or aflibercept.

Factors affecting pain in patients undergoing bilateral cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To compare the perceived pain and estimated operative duration among patients undergoing bilateral cataract surgery and to demonstrate correlations with the surgical interval and the demographic and medical characteristics of the patients.

METHODS

A total of 466 patients with cataract who underwent ocular surgery were included. The patients estimated the perceived operative duration and pain they felt during the operation at two times, immediately after surgery and on the first postoperative day; pain was scored using a visual analog scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain). Patients undergoing bilateral surgeries were divided into four subgroups based on the interval between the two operations (1, 2, 4, or 6 weeks). The perceived pain score and the estimated operative duration were the primary outcomes.

RESULTS

The pain scores were higher for the second surgery than for the first surgery both immediately after surgery (P = 0.043) and on the first postoperative day (P = 0.002). The estimated operative duration was longer for the second surgery (P = 0.001). Only patients who underwent the second surgery at an interval of 2 weeks perceived more pain both immediately and 1 day postoperatively (P = 0.002, P = 0.022) and a longer operative duration (P < 0.001). Gender, age, and education level might also influence the pain score.

CONCLUSIONS

Female patients, patients with a younger age, and patients with higher education level are likely to report more pain. Patients who require bilateral cataract surgery should not undergo the second surgery before an interval of 2 weeks.

Assessment of Patient Pain Experience During Intravitreal Ranibizumab and Aflibercept Injection

PURPOSE:

The aim of this study was to compare the pain scores of the patients during intravitreal injection of ranibizumab and aflibercept based on patient feedback.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Seventy-two eyes of 72 patients, who had not previously undergone any intravitreal injection procedures, were included in this study. Thirty-eight patients received ranibizumab, and 34 patients received aflibercept injections. The pain was measured by visual analog scale (VAS). Patients were asked to rate their pain experienced during the injection between 0 (no pain) and 10 (worst pain ever felt) on VAS just after the injection.

RESULTS:

VAS pain scores in ranibizumab and aflibercept groups were 3.28 ± 2.45 and 4.20 ± 2.30, respectively. There was a significant difference in average VAS pain scores between groups (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION:

VAS pain scores in aflibercept group were found to be significantly higher than the scores in the ranibizumab group.

Pain Perception of the First Eye versus the Second Eye during Phacoemulsification under Local Anesthesia for Patients Going through Cataract Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Phacoemulsification under local anesthesia is regarded as the major surgery for cataract treatment. Recent research has compared the pain perception between the first eye and the second eye during phacoemulsification. However, these studies have also yielded controversial findings. Consequently, we performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis to investigate the difference in the pain perception between the first and second eyes during phacoemulsification.

Method

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases for the studies published up to October 5, 2018. Prospective observational studies were included. The meta-analysis was conducted by means of random-effects model and fixed-effects model according to the heterogeneity. Evaluation of the methodological quality of studies was based on Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Results

Overall, eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. The analysis of pooled data showed that the pain scores of the first eye shortly after surgery under local anesthesia were significantly lower as compared to the second eye (WMD: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.98; P < 0.00001). The average pain scores of the first eye shortly after surgery under the topical anesthesia were also lower than those of the second eye (WMD: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.79, 1.36; P < 0.00001). Conversely, anxiety scores in the first eye surgery were significantly higher than those in the second eye surgery (SMD: −0.40; 95% CI: −0.64, −0.16; P=0.001). However, the difference of the pain scores accessed on the first postoperative day between the first and second eye surgeries (WMD: −0.05; 95% CI −0.40, 0.31; P=0.79) as well as cooperation grades of patients between the first and second eye surgeries (WMD: 0.35; 95% CI −0.07, 0.76; P=0.10) was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Patients experienced more pain in the surgery of the second eye than that of the first eye, which probably related to lower anxiety before the second surgery. It suggests that we should consider preoperative intervention to reduce the perceived pain during second eye cataract surgery.

Intraoperative head drift and eye movement: two under addressed challenges during cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To objectively measure head drift during cataract surgery, and subjectively simulate eye movements and assess impact on surgical technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve consecutively recorded routine cataract operations in the Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, were reviewed. The speculum was used as a fixed point and correlated with a superimposed virtual ruler to measure maximum head drift in each direction throughout the operations. To simulate intraoperative eye movement, we attached string to the cataract surgical simulator (Eyesi) eye and manually induced abduction and adduction. A calibrated scale secured to the Eyesi head ensured 5 mm eye movements were consistently created. Ophthalmology trainees performed the continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) exercise without and with sequential eye movements. Movements were induced every three seconds. Scores were compared using a paired Student's T-test.

RESULTS

Mean head drift in the surgical recordings was 3.1 mm medially (range 2-7 mm), 2.9 mm laterally (range 2-4 mm), 2.6 mm superiorly (range 1-5 mm), and 1.9 mm inferiorly (range 1-4 mm). In 11 of 12 cases, the operating microscope had to be adjusted for head drift. Six junior trainees completed the CCC module on the Eyesi without then with eye movements. After introducing eye movements the mean Eyesi score reduced from 92.7 to 76.9 (P = 0.014), 'roundness of rhexis' score reduced from 89.4 to 57.5 (P = 0.020), and trainees operated 17 s faster (P = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

This study objectively demonstrates the under-reported clinical scenario of head drift during cataract surgery. By manipulating the Eyesi we have shown that eye movements reduce the quality of cataract surgery.

Crossover clinical trial of pain relief in cataract surgery

Purpose

To determine the effects of intra-operative Korean traditional music on pain experienced by Korean patients undergoing sequential bilateral cataract surgery.

Methods

This was a two-sequence, two-period, and two-treatment crossover study. Fifty-two patients with cataracts were divided into two groups by block randomization, and bilateral cataract surgery was performed. In group 1, patients listened to Korean traditional music (KTM) during their first but not second cataract surgery. This sequence was reversed for patients in group 2. After each surgery, patients scored their pain intensity (PI) using a visual analog scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 was ‘no pain’ and 10 was ‘unbearable pain.’

Result

There was a statistically significant reduction in the mean VAS score with KTM (3.1 ± 2.0) compared to that without KTM (4.1 ± 2.2; p = 0.013). However, there were no statistically significant differences in blood pressure or pulse rates.

Conclusion

KTM had a significant effect on reducing pain experienced by patients during cataract surgery. This may be useful in the context of other surgical procedures to reduce pain in Korean patients.

[Prevalence and causes of pain after cataract surgery: Comparison of 1st and 2nd eyes]

INTRODUCTION

In our practice, patients undergoing bilateral cataract surgery complain of more significant pain after the 2nd eye surgery. The goal of this study was to compare postoperative pain between the 1st and 2nd eyes with cataract surgery under topical anesthesia and to identify the causes of this pain.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study between May and September 2015. We included 69 consecutive adults scheduled for bilateral cataract surgery under topical anesthesia within 2 months by the same surgeon. A self-assessment questionnaire of anxiety (the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale [APAIS]) was completed before each procedure. Postoperative pain was assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS) in the recovery room.

RESULTS

Among the 69 included patients (mean age: 70±1.3 years), 13 (19%) experienced more pain after the 2nd eye procedure. The median VAS was 0 (EI: 0-1) after the first eye versus 0 (EI: 0-2) after the second eye (P=0.836). The patients with the most pain after the second eye surgery had a median anxiety score of 5 (EI: 4 to 9.5), which was comparable to those without pain (P=0.589). On bivariate analysis, women had more pain after second eye surgery (27%) than men (4%) (P=0.026). However, this association lost its significance when the analysis was adjusted for the level of anxiety (adjusted OR 7.7, 95% CI [0.91; 64.6]). In fact, women were more anxious [median anxiety score of 6 (EI: 4 to 8.5)] before 2nd eye surgery than men [median score: 4 (EI: 4-6); P=0.013].

DISCUSSION

Pain levels appeared to be very moderate on both sides when measured postoperatively, as opposed to statements often made in the immediate postoperative period. There is a discrepancy with the literature data. However, each study had small sample sizes.

CONCLUSION

We did not find any significant difference in pain between 1st and 2nd eye cataract surgery under topical local anesthesia. While postoperative pain appeared greater among women, we have noted the possible influence of anxiety, which could justify specific preoperative support.

Assessment of patient pain experience during intravitreal 27-gauge bevacizumab and 30-gauge ranibizumab injection

PURPOSE

To compare pain scores of patients during intravitreal 27-gauge bevacizumab and 30-gauge ranibizumab injection procedures.

METHODS

Seventy eyes of 70 patients who had not previously undergone intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy were included in this study. Thirty-five patients received ranibizumab and 35 patients received bevacizumab. The diagnoses of the patients were: 27 age related macular degeneration, 15 diabetic macular edema, 9 diabetic vitreous hemorrhage, 6 central retinal vein occlusion, 11 branch retinal vein occlusion and 2 central serous chorioretinopathy. Bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) was injected into the vitreous cavity using a 27-gauge needle, and ranibizumab (0.5 mg/0.05 mL) was injected with 30-gauge needle. Patients were asked just after the injection to rate their perceived pain during the injection using the visual analogue scale (VAS) of 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable/worst pain). The average of these scores was used as the primary outcome.

RESULTS

The VAS pain scores in the ranibizumab and bevacizumab groups were 1.06 ± 0.91 (range, 0 to 3) and 1.94 ± 1.55 (range, 0 to 7), respectively, a significant difference (p = 0.005). Patients <65 and ≥65 years of age in both the ranibizumab and bevacizumab groups were then compared. For patients <65, there was a significant difference in the average VAS pain scores between groups (p = 0.003). However, for patients ≥65 years, there was not a significant difference in the average VAS pain scores between groups (p = 0.238). Female and male patients in both ranibizumab and bevacizumab groups were also compared. For female patients, there was a significant difference in the average VAS pain scores between groups (p = 0.016), although not for male patients (p = 0.078).

CONCLUSIONS

Thirty-gauge intravitreal injection is more comfortable than 27-gauge injection. Injection of bevacizumab with 30-gauge needle syringes may be more tolerable for patients.