Systematic review of peribulbar anesthesia versus sub-Tenon anesthesia for cataract surgery

Abstract

Commonly used anesthetic techniques for cataract surgery include peribulbar and sub-Tenon anesthesia. This evidence-based review compares these techniques, with a particular focus on patient comfort, akinesia, and anesthetic complications. A systematic search of the literature revealed that there is a paucity of robust evidence comparing sub-Tenon and peribulbar anesthesia. Based on the best available evidence, there is no significant difference in the efficacy of peribulbar compared with sub-Tenon anesthesia for cataract surgery; however, the potential complications of peribulbar anesthesia are more serious.