To compare peribulbar and subtenon anaesthesia in patients undergoing cataract surgery. In a hospital based randomised comparative interventional study, patients who underwent cataract surgery were randomised into two groups, one receiving peribulbar and the other subtenon anaesthesia. Pain during administration, pain during surgery, chemosis, subconjunctival haemorrhage globe akinesia were noted and compared in the two groups. Any other complications which occur also noted. The pain during administration was significantly lesser in subtenon injection as compared to peribulbar anaesthesia. Pain during surgery was comparable in the two groups. Incidence of subconjunctival haemorrhage and chemosis was more in subtenon injection as compared to peribulbar anaesthesia. Globe akinesia was achieved more effectively in subtenon injection as compared to peribulbar injection. The subtenon anaesthesia is comparable to peribulbar anaesthesia with few additional advantages and is recommended as safe and effective alternative to peribulbar anaesthesia for cataract surgery.