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

Purpose: To determine the safely 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 phacoemuisification 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.