The Effects of Topical Anesthetics used in Phacoemulsification

Kwon, Ji Won; Tchah, Hungwon

Abstract

A total of 80 cases undergone the routine phacoemulsification and the posterior chamber lens implantation under various topical anesthetics have been studied. The patients were divided into four groups from A to D and administered as follows : 4% lidocaine for 20 patients in group A, 4% lidocaine plus 0.5% proparacaine for 20 patients in group B, 0.1% diclofenac sodium plus 4% lidocaine for 20 patients in group C, 0.1% diclofenac sodium plus 0.5% proparacaine for 20 patients in group D. They were instilled into conjunctival sac at 20 minutes, 15 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes and just before surgery. We also measured corneal thickness preoperatively, immediately after the operation, postoperative one week and observed corneal status during the operation and the pain score during surgery using a visual analogue scale. There was no statistical difference of corneal thickness among the groups. The pain score during surgery did not show any statistical significance. The topical anesthetics is a safe and convenient method for cataract surgery.