Efficacy of peribulbar [Sub-Tenon] versus retrobulbar local anesthesia in cataract surgery

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the efficacy of peribulbar [sub-Tenon] versus retro bulbar local anesthesia in cataract surgery by comparing analgesia, akinesia and effect on intraocular pressure. Comparative Consecutive Interventional Case series. One hundred patients undergoing surgery for uncomplicated cataract at Munawwar Memorial Hospital Chakwal. Patients were selected on the basis of convenience sampling. Patients were divided in two equal groups of 50 each. One group received retrobulbar block and other group received sub-Tenon's block. Before starting the surgery complete systemic and ocular examination was done. Efficacy was compared in terms of analgesia, akinesia and effect on intraocular pressure. Out of total 100 patients, 60% were male and 40% were female with a ratio of 32. In retrobulbar anesthesia, 30 [65.2%] patients experienced pain free surgery as compared to sub-Tenon's local anesthesia where 49 [98%] patients experienced pain free surgery. Complete akinesia was achieved in 26 [56.52%] cases of retrobulbar anaesthesia group as compared to 5 [10%] cases in sub-Tenon's anaesthesia group. There was a significant elevation of intraocular pressure immediately after administrating the local anesthesia in retrobulbar group as compared to sub-Tenon's group. Conclusion: Sub-Tenon's anaesthesia is a safe and effective technique for patients undergoing day cataract surgery as compared to retrobulbar local anesthesia. It prevents sight and life threatening complications