Search

Abstract Purpose: To compare the efficacy of intracameral unpreserved lignocaine with placebo during cataract surgery under topical anaesthesia. Methods: One hundred and thirty-five consecutive cases undergoing clear corneal phacoemulsification were en­rolled in this single surgeon, prospective, double-masked, con­trolled trial. Patients were randomized into two groups, receiving either intracameral unpreserved lignocaine 1% or placebo (balanced salt solution). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and peripheral oxygen saturation were recorded preoperatively and during phacoemulsification. The level of intraoperative pain was assessed by a numerical analogue scale ranging between 0 (no pain) and 10 (unbearable pain). Data were compared by Student t -test. Results: Sixty-seven cases received lignocaine (group 1) and 68 received placebo (group 2). Average age was 75 years and 74 years, respectively. Systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, oxygen saturation and pain score showed no statistical difference (P = 0.241, 0.542, 0.712, 0.237, respectively). Diastolic blood pressure showed a weakly significant change (P = 0.023). Patients reported minimal discomfort during surgery in both groups. Conclusion: This study found no additional benefit of intra­cameral unpreserved lignocaine when performing routine clear corneal phacoemulsification under topical anaesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]