Randomized Controlled Trial of the STEIN Protocol: A Neuroplastic Pain Education and Guided Breathing Intervention During Awake Cataract Surgery

This randomized controlled trial evaluates whether a standardized perioperative neuroplastic intervention: the STEIN Protocol (Strategies and Techniques for Enhancing Integration and Neuroplasticity), consisting of pain neuroscience education, guided imagery, and paced breathing, reduces intraoperative analgesic and anxiolytic requirements. Secondary outcomes include patient-reported pain, anxiety, satisfaction, and postoperative recovery following cataract surgery. Reduced intraoperative sedative and analgesic requirements may reflect improved patient comfort and autonomic regulation while minimizing medication-related adverse effects.

NCT Number	NCT07715591
Lead Sponsor	University of California, Los Angeles
Conditions	Cataract, Cataract (Post-operative Cataract Surgery Follow-up)
Enrollment	300 participants
Start Date	2026-06-10
Primary Completion	2026-09-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-09-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-07-23