Local anaesthetic cataract surgery: factors influencing perception of pain, anxiety and overall satisfaction.

To assess factors influencing perception of pain, anxiety and overall satisfaction during local anaesthetic cataract surgery an audit was carried out at the West of England Eye Unit. Patients receiving sub-Tenons after previous peribulbar anaesthesia had significantly higher pain scores. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher when a handholder was present in theatre. Finally, no difference was found in the three variables whether anaesthesia was administered by an anaesthetic practitioner or an anaesthetist.