Intraoperative and postoperative pain in cataract surgery

Technologic improvements in cataract surgery have not only improved visual outcomes, but also have minimized intraoperative and postoperative pain. We review the mechanisms, risk factors, and management of intraoperative and postoperative pain. Summaries of less common sources of physiologic pain have been included to reinforce recognition of when pain represents an expected physiologic reaction to surgery as opposed to signaling a more serious complication. We also discuss various current and emerging anesthetic and analgesic modalities.