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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
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Use of Rabbit Eyes in Pharmacokinetic Studies of Intraocular Drugs
Published on: July 23, 2016
The Effect of Intraocular Lidocaine in White Rabbit Eyes.
1Department of Ophthalmology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokahama, Japan
Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology
|October 18, 2000
Summary
Intraocular lidocaine anesthesia at concentrations below 0.2% showed no significant toxicity to rabbit corneas or retinas. Higher concentrations (2%) caused histological and functional damage, indicating a safe threshold for intraocular use.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Anesthesiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Intraocular lidocaine anesthesia is increasingly used in cataract surgery.
- Understanding the safety profile of unpreserved lidocaine for ocular tissues is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the toxicity of intraocular unpreserved lidocaine on corneal endothelial cells and retinal function in Japanese white rabbits.
- To determine the safe concentration threshold for intraocular lidocaine administration.
Main Methods:
- Japanese white rabbits received intracameral or intravitreal injections of unpreserved lidocaine (0%, 0.02%, 0.2%, 2%).
- Corneal endothelial cell counts and histology were assessed one week post-injection.
- Retinal function was evaluated using electroretinography before and after injections.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in corneal endothelial cells were observed with 0.2% lidocaine.
- Histological abnormalities in corneal endothelial cells and significant electroretinogram changes occurred with 2% lidocaine.
- No histological abnormalities were detected in the retina at any concentration up to 2% within one week.
Conclusions:
- Intraocular lidocaine at concentrations below 0.2% demonstrated no serious functional or histological toxicity to rabbit corneas and retinas.
- A concentration of 2% lidocaine exhibited notable toxicity to corneal endothelial cells and retinal function.
