Editing Phacoemulsification (section)

===Anaesthesia===
Proper anesthesia is essential for ocular surgery. 
A [[facial nerve]] block may occasionally be performed to reduce lid squeezing. [[General anaesthesia|General anesthesia]] is recommended for children, traumatic eye injuries with cataract, for very apprehensive or uncooperative patients and animals. Cardiovascular monitoring is preferable in local anesthesia and is mandatory with general anesthesia.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}

Either [[Topical anaesthetic|topical]], [[Sub-Tenon injection|sub-tenon]], [[wikt:peribulbar|peribulbar]], or [[retrobulbar block|retrobulbar]] [[local anaesthesia]] is used, usually causing the patient little or no discomfort.<ref name="Mayo 2" /> Topical anaesthetics are most commonly used; these are placed on the [[globe of the eye]] as eyedrops before surgery or in the globe during surgery.<ref name="Minakaran et al 2020" /> Local-anaesthetic injection techniques include [[Conjunctiva|sub-conjunctival]] injections and injections behind the globe (retrobulbar block) to block regional nerves and prevent eye movement.<ref name="Cionni et al 2006" /> Intravenous sedation may be combined with the local anaesthetic.