Effect of cryotherapy on pain scores and satisfaction levels of patients in cataract surgery under topical anesthesia: a prospective randomized double-blind trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of cryotherapy on pain scores and satisfaction levels of patients during cataract surgery under topical anesthesia. Eighty patients aged between 55 and 75 years scheduled for cataract surgery were randomly allocated to two study groups to receive topical anesthesia with cryotherapy (TC) or topical anesthesia alone (T) groups. Visual analog pain scores, patient satisfaction level, hemodynamic parameters, and quality of operating conditions were recorded. RESULTS: Cryotherapy significantly reduced VAS pain scores during surgery (P = 0.014). Although no significant difference in postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, heart rate, and mean arterial blood pressure was seen in the postoperative period. The surgeon reported better quality of operating conditions in the TC group (P = 0.018). Cryotherapy as a complementary method with topical anesthesia reduced pain scores of patients during surgery. It also produced a better quality of operating conditions for surgeons. There was no significant difference in either postoperative pain scores or opioid consumption. Trial registration This trial was registered at Iranian clinical trial registering: IRCT registration number: IRCT2017052734091N2 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-022-06125-w.