Subconjunctival bupivacaine versus topical amethocaine in strabismus surgery

A prospective study was performed to evaluate and compare the effect of subconjunctival bupivacaine and topical amethocaine on pain relief after strabismus surgery. A total of 40 children scheduled for elective operation were randomly allocated to receive either subconjunctival bupivacaine or topical amethocaine at the end of surgery. Post-operative pain was evaluated using a four-point assessment score. We show that both techniques provide good post-operative pain relief. We advocate that either could be used routinely in strabismus surgery although topical amethocaine is easier to administer.