A Questionnaire Study on Patient Perspectives of Sedation for Ophthalmic Procedures

Abstract

Introduction Ophthalmic procedures, such as cataract and refractive surgery, are prevalent in the United States and are often associated with significant preoperative anxiety among patients, which can impact patient comfort and surgical outcomes. Sedation is used in the vast majority of these procedures to reduce anxiety and improve patient cooperation. However, there is limited information on patient-reported experiences and perspectives. This study thus aimed to explore the opinions of patients on sedation for their eye procedures. Methods We administered an anonymous Qualtrics survey to gather data such as patient anxiety levels before and after sedation, patient satisfaction, potential side effects from sedatives, and perceived need for sedation in future procedures. The survey was posted in ophthalmology surgery clinics and online. Results Analysis of our filtered data found that the preoperative anxiety of patients significantly decreased after receiving sedation, with almost all participants in our survey recommending sedation for ophthalmic procedures to others. Many respondents suggested that resources such as question and answer (Q&A) sessions with ophthalmologists or literature would alleviate concerns about receiving sedation. Although a few mild side effects were self-reported from sedation, a majority of participants did not experience any side effects, and no severe side effects were noted. Conclusion These findings suggest that sedation for ophthalmic procedures is successful in reducing patient preoperative anxiety with minimal side effects. However, further research with larger, more diverse populations is warranted to confirm these results and guide future practices in patient care for ophthalmic surgeries.

Keywords: benzodiazepine; eye procedure; eye surgery; ophthalmology; patient opinion; sedation; survey.

Figure 1. Consideration of canceling the recent procedure before sedation

Responses of patients when asked if they had considered a cancellation of their recent eye procedure out of fear, anxiety, or distrust before receiving sedation.

Figure 2. Consideration of canceling future procedures without sedation

Responses of patients when asked if they would consider refusing to undergo future eye procedures if they were told that sedation would not be provided

Figure 3. Comparison of anxiety levels before and after sedation

Boxplots demonstrating perceived levels of anxiety in participants before and after receiving sedation for their ophthalmic procedures. The average level of anxiety before sedation was received was 4.61 (n=23; range 0 to 10), which decreased to 1.65 (n=23; range 0 to 9) after sedation administration, a reduction of 2.96±0.92 (p < 0.005). The ends of the upper and lower whiskers indicate the maximum and minimum values of each data set, respectively. The interquartile ranges (IQRs) are represented by the open boxes, and the horizontal lines indicate the medians of the data sets.

Figure 4. Likelihood of recommending sedation to others

Likelihood of participants to recommend sedation for eye procedures to family members or friends

Figure 5. Recommended interventions by patients to improve the sedation experience

Interventions that participants believed would ease their concerns about sedation. More than one option could be selected, so the total amount of responses (n=33) is greater than the number of participants (n=23).

Figure 6. Patient-reported side effects from sedation

Self-reported side effects from sedation in participants (n=seven). Participants who denied experiencing any side effects were excluded from the figure.