Research articles on anesthesia modalities for cataract surgery are reviewed. A growing trend toward the use of topical anesthesia is apparent. Particular emphasis in the literature is given to determining the safety and efficacy of various forms of topical anesthesia using injectable anesthesia as a frame of reference. A consensus of opinion points toward the use of topical application of anesthetic drops plus intracameral unpreserved lidocaine 1% as the anesthesia modality that provides the best level of analgesia and comfort to patients while not compromising ocular safety. Several articles reporting complications of injectable anesthesia are also reviewed.