Safety and efficacy of intracameral injections of unpreserved lidocaine to reduce intraocular sensation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the safety and efficacy of intracameral injections of unpreserved lidocaine to reduce intraocular sensation.


METHODS
Carolina Eye Associates, Southern Pines, North Carolina, USA.


METHODS
In this prospective study, 100 patients having phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia were randomly assigned to receive an intracameral injection of unpreserved lidocaine (0.5 cc of a 1% unpreserved solution) or balanced salt solution.


RESULTS
Ninety-three patients completed the study. There were no significant between-group differences in cell density parameters or Kowa laser flare-cell meter measurements. Seventy-eight percent of lidocaine patients and 56% of controls reported no sensation (P = .048, Fisher's exact test).


CONCLUSIONS
Intracameral injections of unpreserved lidocaine safely and effectively reduced intraocular sensation during phacoemulsification.
Carolina Eye Associates, Southern Pines, North Carolina 28387, USA.
R G
RG
Martin
J D
JD
Miller
C C
CC
Cox
S C
SC
Ferrel
M G
MG
Raanan
D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000867:Anterior Chamber / Q000187:drug effects*; D002452:Cell Count; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D012677:Sensation / Q000187:drug effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D008012:Lidocaine