Corneal-wetting property of lignocaine 2% jelly.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the corneal-wetting property of lignocaine 2% jelly.


METHODS
A district general hospital.


METHODS
Fifty patients having cataract surgery were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 comprised 20 patients who had topical eyedrop anesthesia and corneal irrigation with balanced salt solution (BSS(R)) during surgery as necessary. Group 2 comprised 15 patients who received lignocaine jelly on arrival and just before the corneal incision was made as well as corneal moisturizing by BSS during surgery. Group 3 comprised 15 patients who received lignocaine jelly on arrival and additional lignocaine jelly if necessary just before the corneal incision was made to maintain corneal clarity. The duration of efficacy and the frequency of the applications of the 2 agents were recorded. Corneal clarity and reflections were noted intraoperatively. Corneal status was assessed postoperatively in the ward.


RESULTS
Preoperative lignocaine 2% jelly maintained corneal clarity longer than BSS (P <.001). A second application of lignocaine was needed when surgery was prolonged.


CONCLUSIONS
The corneal-wetting property of lignocaine 2% jelly can be useful during cataract surgery by avoiding repeated corneal irrigation with BSS.
Kalyanasundaram
Thandalam S
TS
Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, United Kingdom. tskalyan@yahoo.com
Hasan
Mahmood
M
D000085:Acetates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000368:Aged; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014906:Wetting Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000085:Acetates; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; C030660:BSS solution; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005782:Gels; D008903:Minerals; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D014906:Wetting Agents; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D008012:Lidocaine