Methods. The features of retrobulbar and peribulbar blocks were compared prospectively in 300 patients undergoing elective, ambulatory cataract surgery. Both techniques were clinically applicable, but to achieve total akinesia of the eye muscles, an additional injection was needed in 13% of the patients with retrobulbar block and in 35% with periocular block.

Results. In younger patients (<65 years), the number of injections and the volume of the local anesthetic needed to produce a total akinesia of the eye were significantly higher when compared with the elderly.