Naruechanok Lertkusol, MD¹^,², Ploypak Thanakroekkiat, MD², Chadsupad Tharawan, MD², Supinda Leeamornsiri, MD², Paiboon Bowornwattanadilok, MD²

Objective: To assess the effect of lavender aromatherapy on preprocedural anxiety, pain, and vital signs in patients undergoing intravitreal anti-VEGF injections.

Materials and Methods: This randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 114 patients undergoing their first intravitreal injection at Thammasat University Hospital between May 2024 and March 2025. The intervention group received lavender essential oil via inhalation, while the control group received normal saline. Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scale, along with vital signs and pain scores, both before and after the injection.

Results: Fifty-eight patients received aromatherapy, and fifty-six patients received a placebo. Baseline characteristics were comparable. Both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in STAI scores following treatment (treatment group: –2.69±5.17, p<0.001, and control group: –1.39±7.54, p=0.016). Although the reduction was greater in the treatment group, the between-group difference was not statistically significant (p=0.233). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased slightly in both groups , with no significant differences between groups. Mean pain scores were lower in the treatment group (2.77±2.07) compared to the control group (2.93±2.09), but without statistical significance.

Conclusion: Lavender aromatherapy was associated with lower anxiety and pain scores in patients undergoing intravitreal injection compared with placebo, but differences were not statistically significant.

Received 20 November 2025 | Revised 5 January 2026 | Accepted 7 January 2026

DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2026.5.03894