Safety and efficacy of intracameral injections of unpreserved lidocaine to reduce intraocular sensation.

PURPOSE

To determine the safety and efficacy of intracameral injections of unpreserved lidocaine to reduce intraocular sensation.

SETTING

Carolina Eye Associates, Southern Pines, North Carolina, USA.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 100 patients having phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia were randomly assigned to receive an intracameral injection of unpreserved lidocaine (0.5 cc of a 1% unpreserved solution) or balanced salt solution.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients completed the study. There were no significant between-group differences in cell density parameters or Kowa laser flare-cell meter measurements. Seventy-eight percent of lidocaine patients and 56% of controls reported no sensation (P = .048, Fisher's exact test).

CONCLUSION

Intracameral injections of unpreserved lidocaine safely and effectively reduced intraocular sensation during phacoemulsification.