Intracameral lidocaine in trabeculectomy. A preliminary safety and efficacy study

Abstract

Purpose: To study the safety and efficacy of intracameral lidocaine as anaesthesia in trabeculectomy for primary open-angle glaucoma. Methods: Trabeculectomy under intracameral anaesthesia using 1% preservative-free lidocaine was performed in 10 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Intraoperative pain score, postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and endothelial cell count at 3 months were recorded. Results: The mean pain score was 1.70 ± 1.34. The mean IOP was lowered from 24.60 ± 8.28 mmHg preoperatively to 14.1 ± 3.11 mm Hg postoperatively. There was no significant decrease in the mean endothelial cell count 3 months after the surgery (P = 0.375). Conclusion: Intracameral lidocaine may be a safe and effective alternative anaesthesia method in trabeculectomy for uncomplicated primary open-angle glaucoma.

Keywords

• Trabeculectomy
• intracameral anaesthesia
• lidocaine
• primary open-angle glaucoma