Ophthalmology
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Injectable versus topical anesthesia for cataract surgery: patient perceptions of pain and side effects. The Study of Medical Testing for Cataract Surgery study team.
To compare patient reports of intraoperative pain and postoperative side effects by different anesthesia strategies for cataract surgery. ⋯ Patient reports of any pain during cataract surgery (5%) and postoperative side effects (16% drowsiness and 4% nausea and vomiting) were low, but varied by anesthesia strategy. Patient perceptions of pain and side effects can be helpful in guiding the appropriate choice of anesthesia strategy.