Hypnosis in photoablative refractive surgery: monocentric prospective study.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of hypnosis in anxiety, fear control, and surgical ease in refractive surgery.

Setting: 1 single outpatient ophthalmological clinic in Belgium.

Design: Monocentric randomized prospective study conducted from September 2024 to March 2025.

Methods: 34 patients aged 18 to 60 were randomized into 2 groups: standard care (photorefractive keratectomy or laser in situ keratomileusis) (control) and standard care plus hypnosis (experimental) where patients underwent real-time hypnosis during surgery. Anxiety levels were measured preoperatively and postoperatively using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale, along with heart rate monitoring and surgeon-rated intraoperative parameters. Patient satisfaction and communication quality were also assessed.

Results: Anxiety scores were similar across groups, with no significant hemodynamic differences. However, the hypnosis group showed significantly better co-operation ( P = .004) and surgical comfort ( P < .0001). They also reported higher intraoperative comfort, satisfaction, and communication quality ( P < .05).

Conclusions: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that conversational hypnosis significantly enhances patient experience and surgical co-operation during refractive laser surgery, despite no effect on physiological markers. It represents a promising adjunct relaxing technique useful in outpatient settings.