Objective: To compare the anaesthetic efficacy and postoperative analgesia of 0.75% ropivacaine and 2mg dexamethasone with 0.5% bupivacaine and 2mg dexamethasone in peribulbar block for patients undergoing small incision cataract surgery. Methods: 50 patients were divided into 2 groups of 25 each and were randomized to receive peribulbar anaesthesia using 0.5% bupivacaine and 2mg dexamethasone in group I and 0.75% ropivacaine and 2mg dexamethasone in group II. The patients were compared for the duration of akinesia and postoperative analgesia. Results: Akinesia was achieved slower in group I (14.12±2.99 mins) when compared to group II (8.24± 1.05 mins) which was statistically significant. Group I showed significantly longer postoperative akinesia (2.52±0.51 hours) than group II (0.77±0.12 hours). Also the VAS scores were significantly lower at 1 hour in group I (2.94±0.54) when compared to group II (4.96±0.89). Conclusion: Ropivacaine and dexamethasone showed faster onset of akinesia but bupivacaine and dexamethasone showed prolonged postoperative akinesia, better postoperative analgesia and prolonged time to first recue analgesic.