Cataract surgery has evolved rapidly over the last decade. Previously such cases required admission for prolonged postoperative convalescence. However, currently such procedures are carried out as day cases. An area where significant change has evolved is the role of anaesthesia in cataract surgery.

Recently, a growing number of surgeons have been performing cataract surgery using topical drops to achieve anaesthesia. However, case selection and operator experience impose a limit on the use of topical anaesthesia.¹ Other local techniques for delivering …