Intracameral lidocaine in trabeculectomy. A preliminary safety and efficacy study.

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.