Using a stress ball during cataract surgery to reduce pain, fear, and improve satisfaction
The Effect of Stress Ball Use on Patients' Pain, Fear and Satisfication" During Cataract Surgery
This trial tests whether squeezing a stress ball during cataract surgery helps adults feel less pain and fear and be more satisfied with the procedure.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Bezmialem Vakif University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07452770 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study enrolls adults undergoing cataract surgery with topical anesthesia and asks participants to squeeze a stress ball during the procedure. Pain, fear (anxiety), and patient satisfaction are measured and compared between those who use the stress ball and those who do not. Patients with cognitive, hearing, neurological, or hand/arm limitations, those undergoing general anesthesia, or those who used analgesics/anxiolytics before surgery are excluded. The aim is to determine whether a simple, non-drug distraction can improve the intraoperative experience and postoperative satisfaction.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) scheduled for first-time cataract surgery under topical anesthesia who can understand instructions and physically squeeze a stress ball, without uncontrolled hypertension, major psychiatric or neurological disorders, or recent analgesic/anxiolytic use.
Not a fit: Patients undergoing general anesthesia, those with hand/arm limitations, cognitive or hearing impairments, uncontrolled hypertension, psychiatric disorders, or who took analgesics/anxiolytics before surgery are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, using a stress ball could reduce pain and anxiety during cataract surgery and improve patient cooperation and satisfaction.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies of simple distraction or relaxation techniques (for example music, hand-holding, or guided breathing) show mixed but sometimes positive effects on surgical anxiety and pain, so this approach has some supportive but not definitive evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged 18 years or older, * Without hearing or cognitive impairments, * Without any neurological conditions that would prevent squeezing a stress ball, * Without any physical limitations in the hands or arms that would prevent squeezing a stress ball, * Individuals undergoing cataract surgery for the first time will be included. Exclusion Criteria: * Under 18 years of age, * Change in anesthesia type during surgery (from topical anesthesia to general anesthesia) * Patients scheduled for cataract surgery under general anesthesia, * Patients with psychiatric disorders, * Patients diagnosed with uncontrolled hypertension, * Patients who used any analgesic or anxiolytic prior to surgery will not be included in the study.
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Istanbul
- Bezmialem Vakif University — Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Burcu DEMİRCAN BDEMİRCAN, PhD
- Email: bdemircan@bezmialem.edu.tr
- Phone: +905072325511
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.