The Use of Sublingual Melatonin Premedication in Geriatric Cataract Surgery

The Use of Sublingual Melatonin Premedication in Geriatric Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is routinely performed with anesthesia care, whereas anesthesia care for other elective, low-risk, outpatient procedures is applied more selectively. We hypothesize that sublingual melatonin will provide superior anxiolysis and sedation while maintaining a high safety profile and minimizing hemodynamic disturbances.

Prevalence of anesthesia care during cataract surgery compared with other low-risk procedures; association of anesthesia care with patient, clinician, and health system characteristics; and proportion of patients experiencing a significant anxiety and hemodynamic instability during cataract surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• • Age ≥ 60 years

  • American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III
  • Scheduled for unilateral cataract surgery under local anesthesia
  • Ability to understand and complete study-related questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Known allergy or hypersensitivity to melatonin

  • Chronic use of sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics
  • History of sleep disorders or psychiatric illness
  • Visual or hearing impairment that would hinder communication
  • Emergency surgery or anticipated intraoperative complications