Comparative Effects of Lavender Aromatherapy and Nature Sounds on Anxiety and Pain in Cataract Surgery Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Introduction: Cataract is one of the most common causes of visual impairment globally, often treated with surgery. Patients undergoing cataract surgery frequently experience anxiety and pain, which can adversely affect their physiological and psychological well-being. This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of lavender aromatherapy and nature sounds on anxiety and pain in patients undergoing cataract surgery with regional anesthesia. Methods: A total of 120 patients were randomly assigned to three groups: lavender aromatherapy, nature sounds, and control. The experimental groups received their respective interventions for 15 min preoperatively, while the control group received standard care. Anxiety and pain were measured using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Visual Analog Scale. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and chi-square tests to compare the groups; statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Post-intervention, mean anxiety scores were significantly lower in the lavender (34.85 ± 4.77) and nature sounds (31.95 ± 5.87) groups compared to the control group (49.62 ± 8.70) (P < 0.001). Pain scores following the intervention were reduced in both intervention groups (lavender and nature sounds) compared with the control group. No adverse events were observed in either intervention group. Both lavender aromatherapy (mean difference versus control: -14.8, p < 0.001) and nature sounds (mean difference versus control: -17.7, p < 0.001) significantly reduced anxiety compared to the control group. Results indicated that no adverse events were reported in any group. Conclusion: Lavender aromatherapy and nature sounds effectively reduced anxiety and pain in cataract surgery patients, suggesting their potential as non-pharmacological complementary therapies.