Using oral anti-anxiety medication during second eye cataract surgery

Pain, Anxiety and Anesthetic Satisfaction for Patient With Different State Anxiety Underwent Cataract Surgery With Topical Anesthesia. An Extension Test of Whether to Use Oral Anti-anxiety Drugs (Alprazolam) When Patients Choose Second Eye Cataract Surgery After Unblinding, and Analyze Their Anxiety, Satisfaction and Pain Satisfaction.

Phase 4 Interventional National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT06874452

This study is testing if taking the anti-anxiety medication XANAX can help people feel less anxious and more comfortable during their second eye cataract surgery compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taipei)
Trial IDNCT06874452 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of the oral anti-anxiety drug XANAX on patient satisfaction, anxiety, and pain during phacoemulsification cataract surgery. It aims to determine whether oral sedation can provide a safer and more convenient alternative to intravenous sedation, which is commonly used but carries additional risks. Patients undergoing surgery on their second eye will be monitored for their anxiety levels, pain experiences, and overall satisfaction with the procedure. The study will compare outcomes between those receiving XANAX and those receiving a placebo.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 who are scheduled for cataract surgery on their second eye and do not have contraindications to XANAX.

Not a fit: Patients with severe corneal diseases, contraindications to surgery, or those who do not experience preoperative anxiety may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved patient comfort and satisfaction during cataract surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with oral sedation in surgical settings, but the specific use of XANAX in cataract surgery is less explored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 18 and 80 years old.
2. Enrolled in "Anxiety and surgery satisfaction for cataract patient with different state anxiety" (Research Ethics Committee Case No.: 202302067MINB).
3. Plan to undergo phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation surgery with topical anesthetic on the second eye at the Department of Ophthalmology.
4. Subject who does not have side effect from XANAX.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of any surgery contraindications.
2. Presence of any medication contraindications.
3. Inability to provide clear and complete answers to relevant questionnaires, or expression of no preoperative anxiety during the outpatient visit, or scores below 21 on the STAI-S or STAI-T assessment.
4. Regular use of anti-anxiety medications, sleeping pills, or analgesics before the procedure.
5. Pregnancy or breastfeeding during the preoperative period.
6. Severe corneal diseases, overripe cataracts, small pupils, or lens dislocation leading to difficulties in conventional surgery.
7. Patients under surface anesthesia who cannot fully cooperate with the surgical procedure.
8. Pregnant or uncertain pregnancy status (women under 55 years old to be verbally asked by research team members).

Where this trial is running

Taipei

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions OphthalmologyCataract Surgery AnesthesiaOral AnxiolyticSatisfaction Surveyoral anti-anxiety drugsoral anxiolyticophthalmologycataract surgery anesthesia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.