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Mind over scalpel: could guided breathing replace sedatives during eye surgery?

NCT ID NCT07715591

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 20, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This trial tests whether a combination of pain education, guided imagery, and paced breathing—called the STEIN Protocol—can help people undergoing awake cataract surgery need less pain and anxiety medication. Participants wear open-ear headphones that play audio prompts every few minutes, asking if they want more relaxing or pain medication, while still being able to hear the surgical team. The study compares this approach to standard care in 300 adults to see if it improves comfort and reduces drug-related side effects.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
a perioperative neuroplastic intervention called the STEIN Protocol, combining pain neuroscience education, guided imagery, and paced breathing
What this could lead to
If effective, this drug-free approach could reduce reliance on sedatives and painkillers during cataract surgery, lowering side effects and improving patient comfort.
What could go wrong
This is a relatively small, early-stage trial, and the intervention may not significantly reduce medication needs or improve outcomes for all patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder cataract Pain Patient Satisfaction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CATARACT CATARACT (POST-OPERATIVE CATARACT SURGERY FOLLOW-UP)

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Stein Eye Institute - University of California Los Angeles

    RECRUITING

    Los Angeles, California, 90025, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

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