Effect of retrobulbar injection of lidocaine on saccadic velocities.

PURPOSE

To determine whether exposing the extraocular muscles (EOMs) to lidocaine via retrobulbar injection for cataract surgery has a demonstrable negative effect on subsequent function of the muscle.

SETTING

York Finch Eye Associates, Humber River Regional Hospital, and Toronto Western Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

This study comprised 37 eyes that had phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation; 13 eyes had retrobulbar lidocaine with hyaluronidase and 24 eyes, topical anesthesia. The postoperative saccadic velocities were compared with the preoperative velocities using a sensitive recording device. The results were compared within and between the retrobulbar lidocaine and topical anesthesia groups.

RESULTS

No detectable decrement in postoperative saccadic velocities was detected in any patient, and no difference was found between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposing EOMs to lidocaine for cataract surgery had no detectable negative effect on saccadic velocities 1 week after surgery.