[Percutaneous topical anaesthesia applications in ocular surgery].

PURPOSE/METHODS: The results of our experience with EMLA cream used as a topical anaesthetic is analysed in a series of forty patients having bilateral and simultaneous oculoplastic procedures, such as the injection of different substances (botulinum toxin, triamcinolone), the removal of superficial skin lesions, or previous to subcutaneous infiltration of local anaesthetics. Patient's reaction to pain and its degree were assessed by the use of topical placebo on the other than EMLA site and compare both subjective and <<objective>> scales.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Patient's discomfort and pain were found to be milder with a statistically significant difference (p<0.0001) compared to placebo when EMLA cream was previously used over the surgical site. Therefore, in our experience, the use of EMLA cream as percutaneous anaesthetic is effective in diminishing pain associated with minor oculoplastic procedures.