SUB-TENON ANAESTHESIA

AN EFFICIENT AND SAFE TECHNIQUE FOR CATARACT SURGERY

Abstract

Objective: To describe a method that seeks to improve the
administration of local anaesthesia for cataract surgery avoiding the risk of potential complications associated with other
methods using sharp needles. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Eye unit, Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur.
Period: Twelve months. Patients and method: The safety and efficacy of this method was demonstrated in 100
consective cases. This technique consists of small, blunt dissection of the conjunctiva, tenon’s capsule and intermuscular
septum in the inferior nasal quadrant, followed by the insertion of the curved cannula that is guided to the
retro bulbar space, where 2.0 to 2.5 ml of anaesthesia is injected. Results: All of the patients (100%) felt that this
procedure was comfortable and painless. The operative procedure was graded with a median of no pain or discomfort
for both ECCE and phaco. Akinesia, analgesia and operating conditions were assessed on a point scale. Conclusion:
Sub-Tenon Anaesthesia proved to be a safe and efficient technique that offers excellent anaesthesia and akinesia and
avoids a sharp needle being passed into the orbit