Induced endothelial cell loss in phacoemulsification using topical anesthesia plus intracameral lidocaine.

PURPOSE

To determine whether lidocaine 1% injected into the anterior chamber during phacoemulsification damaged the corneal endothelium.

SETTING

Ophthalmology Service, University Hospital, San Juan de Alicante, Spain.

METHODS

In 19 eyes of 19 patients, small incision phacoemulsification and foldable lens (AcrySof MA60BM) implantation was performed using topical anesthesia supplemented by lidocaine 1% (0.3 mL) in the anterior chamber. All cases were operated by the same surgeon. Specular microscopy was performed before surgery and 1 and 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Mean endothelial cell loss was 5.41% +/- 8.50 (SD) at 1 month and 5.93 +/- 8.50% at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The endothelial damage was similar to that described by other authors, suggesting that phacoemulsification surgery can be performed successfully using topical anesthesia supplemented by lidocaine 1% in the anterior chamber.