Comparative Evaluation between Topical versus Sub-Tenon’s Anaesthesia in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery: A Research Protocol

Introduction: Intraocular lens implantation combined with cataract extraction is arguably the most successful surgical technique in the history of medicine. Cataracts are one of the major causes of preventable blindness worldwide. Cataract surgery is by far the most frequently performed procedure under local anaesthesia. Therefore, it is imperative to develop anaesthetic techniques that are safe, efficient, and financially viable, particularly in India. Need of the study: The study aims to provide significant insights into enhancing cataract surgical procedures in rural regions by comparing Sub-Tenon’s anaesthesia, which may offer improved akinesia and patient comfort, with topical anaesthesia, which is less invasive and easier to administer. Aim: To compare and evaluate patients’ outcomes after topical and Sub-Tenon’s anaesthesia in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS). Materials and Methods: A two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial will be conducted at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India, from June 2024 to June 2026, including 56 patients in total (allocated to topical anaesthesia or Sub-Tenon’s anaesthesia). Before the intervention, demographic data will be collected on a pro forma, and after the surgery the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and postoperative outcomes will be recorded. Statistical analysis will be performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. A p-value<0.05 will be considered statistically significant.