AIM: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine with phenobarbital sodium in the perioperative period of cataract surgery.

METHODS: A prospective study. Selected 120 cases of patients underwent cataract surgery under topical anesthesia. Before surgery, patients were administed dexmedetomidine nasal spray and phenobarbital sodium intramuscularly, respectively. Observed postoperative Visual Analogue Scale(VAS), Iowa Satisfaction with Anesthesia Scale(ISAS), perioperative vital signs and intraocular pressure, intraoperative complications and adverse drug reactions.

RESULTS: Compared with the phenobarbital sodium group, the dexmedetomidine group had lower VAS score and higher ISAS score, more stable intraoperative systolic blood pressure, better reduction of intraoperative intraocular pressure, lower incidence of complications and adverse drug reactions.

CONCLUSION: Compared with phenobarbital sodium, the administration of dexmedetomidine nasal spray in the perioperative period of cataract surgery has beneficial sedative and analgesic effection, which can improve the satisfaction of patients and increase the safety of surgery.