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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 4 Interventional Ages 65 and up

Comparing Remimazolam and Midazolam for Cataract Surgery

Official title: Comparison of Remimazolam vs. Midazolam for Sedation During Cataract Surgery

Run by University of California, Los Angeles · NCT05980117 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a new anesthesia called Remimazolam can help older patients have better thinking skills after cataract surgery compared to the standard anesthesia, Midazolam.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment120 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 10, 2025
Main results expectedDecember 2025
Study endsJanuary 2026
Registry record updatedMarch 19, 2025
Trial IDNCT05980117 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults over 65 years old who are undergoing their first eye cataract surgery under local topical anesthesia.

Probably not a fit

Patients who cannot consent, have significant cognitive impairments, or do not wish to receive benzodiazepines during surgery may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate postoperative cognitive changes in elderly patients undergoing cataract surgery by comparing the effects of two benzodiazepines: Midazolam and Remimazolam. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either medication during surgery, and cognitive function will be assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) before surgery, at discharge, and the following day. The study seeks to determine if Remimazolam, with its shorter half-life, results in fewer cognitive changes compared to Midazolam. Additionally, patient satisfaction regarding anesthesia will be measured at discharge.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive outcomes for elderly patients undergoing cataract surgery.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have explored the effects of different anesthetics on cognitive outcomes, but this specific comparison of Remimazolam and Midazolam in cataract surgery is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult patients age \> 65 years undergoing first eye cataract surgery under local topical anesthesia at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
2. Both male and female patients
3. American Society of Anesthesiologists Class 2, 3, and 4.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who are unable to consent for the study
2. Patients who are unable to cooperate with the cognitive assessment such as patients with significant visual, auditory, language or other impairment.
3. Patients who are unable to understand simple English commands.
4. Patients who do not wish to have benzodiazepine medication during surgery
5. Patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity reaction to dextran 40 or products containing dextran 40.
6. Patients with chronic pain on opiates.
7. Patients with a history of drug, alcohol abuse/dependence.
8. Patients with BMI \> 40.
9. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (moderate to severe).

Where it's running

  • Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine
    Los Angeles, California, United States     Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Zhuang Fang, MD — University of California, Los Angeles
  • Study coordinator: Zhuang T Fang, MD
  • Email: ZFang@mednet.ucla.edu
  • Phone: 310-267-8946

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Cataract Surgery 9Cognitive Impairment 479University of California Los Angeles 1874
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.