Comparative study between topical anesthesia and subtenon anesthesia for cataract surgery

Aim of the study: We performed a prospective study to compare two technique s of local anesthesia: topical and subtenon anesthesia. Twenty-five patient s underwent cataract surgery on both eyes by phakoemulsification and insert ion of foldable lenses in the capsular bag. The second eye was operated 24 hours after the first one; We evaluated patient confort, surgeon confort, s urgical complications and pupillary diameter evolution during the procedure . Results: 64 % of patients preferred subtenon anesthesia procedure. Surgeon confort Was better with subtenon anesthesia. No surgical complications occu rred,in either group. The pupillary diameter evolution was different, decre asing for about 25 % for topical anesthesia and 15 % for subtenon anesthesi a. Conclusion: Subtenon anesthesia is more comfortable for the patient: deeper anesthesia, reliable, longer lasting; light tolerance is better, it is als o more comfortable for the surgeon : better pupillar dilatation during the procedure. Topical anesthesia has inconstant efficiency.