A comparison of cataract surgery under topical anaesthesia with and without intracameral lignocaine.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of intracameral unpreserved lignocaine with placebo during cataract surgery under topical anaesthesia.


METHODS
One hundred and thirty-five consecutive cases undergoing clear corneal phacoemulsification were enrolled in this single surgeon, prospective, double-masked, controlled trial. Patients were randomized into two groups, receiving either intracameral unpreserved lignocaine 1% or placebo (balanced salt solution). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and peripheral oxygen saturation were recorded preoperatively and during phacoemulsification. The level of intraoperative pain was assessed by a numerical analogue scale ranging between 0 (no pain) and 10 (unbearable pain). Data were compared by Student t-test.


RESULTS
Sixty-seven cases received lignocaine (group 1) and 68 received placebo (group 2). Average age was 75 years and 74 years, respectively. Systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, oxygen saturation and pain score showed no statistical difference (P = 0.241, 0.542, 0.712, 0.237, respectively). Diastolic blood pressure showed a weakly significant change (P = 0.023). Patients reported minimal discomfort during surgery in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
This study found no additional benefit of intracameral unpreserved lignocaine when performing routine clear corneal phacoemulsification under topical anaesthesia.
Roberts
Tim
T
The Eye Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia. troberts@theeyeinstitute.com.au
Boytell
Kerry
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000867:Anterior Chamber / Q000187:drug effects*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D019923:Capsulorhexis; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008012:Lidocaine