Comparison of Peribulbar Vs Topical Anaesthesia for Phacoemulsification

Abstract

Background: To compare the efficacy of topical
anaesthesia with peribulbar anaesthesia in
phacoemulsification.

Methods: This comparative analytical study was
conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Fauji
Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, from February 2006 to
January 2007. A total of 200 patients who underwent
phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL)
implantation were included in this study. Patients were
randomly assigned to peribulbar group (group 1, n=100)
who received 4-5 ml of local anaesthetic (equal quantities
of 2% xylocaine and 0.5% bupivacaine) in peribulbar
region and topical group (group 2, n=100) using 0.5%
proparacaine in conjunctival sac every 5 minutes for half
an hour before surgery. Patients refusing informed
consent, having communication problem and nystagmus
were excluded from the study. All surgeries were
performed by the same surgeon.

Results: The difference between two groups regarding
analgesia was found to be statistically insignificant.
Periocular group provided significant akinesia.

Conclusion: Topical anaesthesia is an effective
alternative to peribulbar anaesthesia for
phacoemulsification reducing the risks associated with
peribulbar injection.