Comparison between topical and peribulbar anesthesia experienced by patients who underwent phacoemulsification surgery

Abstract

Topical anesthesia has steadily gained popularity due to speed and ease of administration, rapid visual recovery postoperatively and the lack of block-related complications. In this investigation, we attempted to study patient satisfaction subjectively in individuals who underwent phacoemulsification under either topical anaesthesia (augmented by intracameral anaesthesia) or peribulbar block. In our study, patients aged 50–70 years scheduled for phacoemulsification for cataract surgery were enrolled. The study cohort was comprised of 80 patients. Patients were scheduled to undergo phacoemulsification with topical anesthesia or peribulbar block. Patient satisfaction was assessed by one research assistant only, using the Iowa Satisfaction in Anesthesia Scale (ISAS). The Student's t-test was used to determine the significance of IOWA score in both groups. The statistical analysis was performed in SPSS Software. Results of the ISAS indicated that there was no difference in satisfaction level with peribulbar anesthesia (was not statistically significant P=0.07) compared to topical anesthesia. Satisfaction scores were studied in patients who underwent phacoemulsification under topical anaesthesia than those who were operated under peribulbar block. However this difference was not found to be statistically significant in our study. Topical anesthesia provides better patient satisfaction as peribulbar anesthesia during cataract surgery.