Role Of Music During Cataract Surgeries For Better Outcomes

During cataract surgery , a lot of complications are encountered during topical mode of anesthesia. A number of them are attributable to the un-co-operativeness of the patient - often due to anxiety.  Because of these, intraoperatively a lot of complications are caused - minor as well as major. At times, the procedure has to be shifted to local anesthesia from topical anesthesia.

In this prospective randomised control study, we compared and studied different pharmacological and environmental factors that reduce anxiety and eventually reduce complications. 

We did this study in 250 patients where we intervened by the following

1) Use of anxiolytics - lorazepam

2) Placebo

3) Accompanying relatives

4) Music

5) Verbal communication before surgery.

We also compared the difference of experience between the two eyes where non pharmacological - different interventions were used.  The comparisions were done between 2 eyes of the same patient as well as different patients.

A detailed questionnaire was filled by the patient known as VAS and modified Wong scale. Their experience was also documented by the patient post surgery. The risk-benefit analysis of different techniques employed was done and the complications of each technique were noted and compared.

The end results were judged qualitatively and quantitatively.

Music intervention during cataract surgery hwas shown to improve vitals and the overall patient satisfaction and reduced pain perception during surgery.

Among non-interventional methods, music and presence of an accompanying relative showed better satisfaction rates. Both qualitative and quantitative benefits were observed.

 Hence, light music played during cataract surgery being done topically can cause remarkable reduction in anxiety, reduce complications arising due to un-co-operative behaviour of the patient during surgery and improve both - qualitative and quantitative outcome for the patient.