Efficacy of topical plus intracameral anesthesia for cataract surgery in high myopia: randomized controlled trial

To assess the efficacy of intracameral lidocaine supplementation of topical anesthesia during cataract surgery in eyes with high myopia.

Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedale San Pietro-Fatebenefratelli, Rome, Italy.

This prospective double-blind study comprised 120 highly myopic eyes with an axial length (AL) greater than 26.0 mm scheduled for routine cataract surgery. Cases were divided into 2 groups of 60 eyes each. One group received a placebo of balanced salt solution (BSS) (control group) and the other group, a supplement of 0.1 mL preservative-free lidocaine hydrochloride 1% injected in the capsular bag during hydrodissection (lidocaine group). Intraoperative pain was assessed by recording spontaneous patient reports of sensation of pain or ocular discomfort during 3 surgical stages: phaco tip insertion, irrigation/aspiration (I/A) system insertion for cortical aspiration, I/A system insertion for ophthalmic viscosurgical device removal after intraocular lens implantation. Postoperative pain was assessed on a visual analog scale (range 0 to 10). Data were compared by chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests.

The overall mean AL was 28.58 mm (28.57 mm control group; 28.50 mm lidocaine group). Fewer patients in the lidocaine group reported intraoperative pain, ocular discomfort, or tissue manipulation (odds ratio=0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.80; P= .019). The mean postoperative pain score was 1.88+/-2.17 (SD) in the control group and 1.36+/-2.02 in the lidocaine group; the difference was not statistically significant (P= .21).

Intracameral lidocaine supplementation for cataract surgery may improve intraoperative comfort under topical anesthesia in highly myopic eyes.