Efficacy of lignocaine gel for outpatient laser treatment in inflamed eyes.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical 2% lignocaine gel in providing analgesia during outpatient transpupillary or trans-scleral laser treatment of inflamed eyes.


METHODS
A prospective study was carried out of consecutive eligible eyes undergoing laser treatment using 2% lignocaine gel as a topical anaesthetic and a coupling medium. At the conclusion of each procedure, patients were asked to grade a pain score (0 = no discomfort, 1 = mild discomfort, 2 = mild pain, 3 = moderate pain, 4 = severe pain).


RESULTS
Twenty eyes in 19 patients received laser treatment. No pain was reported in 95% of cases treated (no discomfort in 75%, mild discomfort in 20%) and only mild pain in 5% (one patient). No adverse reactions were encountered in any of the patients. There were no complications associated with the procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
Lignocaine 2% gel is safe and effective for outpatient transpupillary and trans-scleral laser treatment in inflamed eyes, providing adequate analgesia and serving as a coupling medium at the same time.
Kwok
A K
AK
Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Eye Hospital. kwokkh@ha.org.hk
Young
A L
AL
Lam
D S
DS
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000601:surgery; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008012:Lidocaine