A single drop of 0.5% proparacaine hydrochloride for uncomplicated clear corneal phacoemulsification

Study of safety and efficacy of sub-Tenon and subconjunctival anesthesia in manual small-incision cataract surgery for hard-grade cataracts

PURPOSE

The purpose was to study the safety and efficacy of sub-Tenon and subconjunctival anesthesia in manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) in patients with hard-grade cataracts.

STUDY DESIGN

The design of the study was a prospective, observational, and randomized control study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 196 eyes, including 98 eyes in the subconjunctival anesthesia group (group A) and 98 eyes in the sub-Tenon anesthesia group (Group B), undergoing MSICS were enrolled in the study. A single surgeon performed all the surgeries. Intraoperative and postoperative pain scores, patient comfort, surgeon's satisfaction, and intraoperative complications were examined.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients in Group A was 66.64 ± 9.95 years and that of patients in Group B was 64.52 ± 9.46. No statistically significant difference was noted in the intraoperative (P = 0.54) and postoperative pain (P = 0.66) scores between the two groups. There was no pain (0 score) in 30% of patients in Group A and 35% of patients in Group B intraoperatively. The average surgical time (P = 0.66) and surgeon's comfort (P = 0.34) were not statistically significant. The mean corneal haze was 0.054 ± 0.12 in group A and 0.065 ± 0.22 in group B (P = 0.45). Two patients in group A required supplemental anesthesia. There were no surgical complications that could compromise visual outcomes. No patients in either group showed alterations in vital parameters or required intravenous sedation.

CONCLUSION

Both techniques of anesthesia are safe and effective for performing MSICS in hard-grade cataracts. However, it is prudent to choose a technique according to the surgeon's requirements.

Clinical study of acupuncture combined with surface anesthesia using proparacaine in geriatric cataract phacoemulsification

BACKGROUND

During anesthesia administration for cataract surgery, low pH of proparacaine may induce pain or complications such as corneal damage and poor wound healing, with the use of additional drops intraoperatively increasing the risk of complications. Accordingly, there is a clinical need for adjuncts to local anesthesia needs to improve the efficiency of anesthesia and reduce the required amount of intraoperative proparacaine.

AIM

To identify a method of anesthesia for geriatric cataract phacoemulsification that provides more efficient analgesia and improves clinical efficacy.

METHODS

A total of 130 geriatric patients with cataracts who attended Hebei Eye Hospital from December 2020 to December 2022 were included in the present study. Patients were divided into the proparacaine surface anesthesia (SA) group (65 cases) and the compound acupuncture-medicine anesthesia group (CAMA group, 65 cases). Patients in the CAMA group were provided acupuncture analgesia in addition to SA. Preoperative anxiety [Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score and state anxiety inventory (SAI) score], intraoperative stress, vital signs, analgesia, and cooperation, as well as postoperative adverse events, were compared between groups.

RESULTS

More marked reductions in anxiety were observed among patients in the CAMA group, with corresponding reductions in SAS and SAI scores. During the operation, no change in the secretion of E, NE, or Cor group compared to the preoperative period was observed in the CAMA, which was markedly lower than that in the SA group. Heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate were more stable intraoperatively in the CAMA group. In addition, the incidence of intraoperative pain and the number of additional doses of anesthesia required in the CAMA group were markedly lower than in the SA group. Accordingly, patients in the CAMA group were able to avoid eye movements and eyelid closing leading to greater cooperation with surgeons during surgery. Furthermore, marked reductions in intraoperative adverse effects were observed in the CAMA group, indicating greater overall safety.

CONCLUSION

Proparacaine SA combined with acupuncture as an analgesic provides improved analgesia with greater safety compared to surface anesthesia with proparacaine during geriatric cataract phacoemulsification.

Can lubrication of the eyelid speculum reduce overall pain perception associated with cataract surgery by phacoemulsification performed under topical anesthesia?

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using the lubricated eyelid speculum on the overall pain perception by the subject patients who underwent cataract surgery by phacoemulsification technique under topical anesthesia.

Methods

A prospective interventional randomized comparative study was conducted at the tertiary eye care center, wherein adult patients scheduled for bilateral cataract surgery with phacoemulsification techniques under topical anesthesia were randomized to undergo surgery with two different modes of eyelid speculum insertion, either with or without lubrication of the eyelid speculum. Fifty percent of the patients underwent surgery with eyelid speculum without lubrication, and 50% with lubrication of the eyelid speculum. The primary outcome was to compare the level of overall pain perception among the subject patients of the two groups by using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in the immediate postoperative period.

Results

The study included 130 patients who underwent bilateral cataract surgery (n = 260 eyes) under topical anesthesia, wherein n = 130 eyes underwent surgery using lubricated eyelid speculum and n = 130 eyes underwent surgery with dry eyelid speculum. Pain perception score assessed on the VAS (0-10 cm) ranged from 0.5 to 6, with a mean ± standard deviation of 2.06 ± 1.12. A significant correlation was found with two different methods of eyelid speculum insertion with reduced overall pain perception in patients with the use of lubricated eyelid speculum compared to the dry eyelid speculum (P = 0.0001).

Conclusion

The overall pain perception associated with cataract surgery performed by phacoemulsification technique under topical anesthesia can be further minimized by lubricating the eyelid speculum prior to insertion for exposing the globe.

An Analysis of the Use of Proparacaine in Cataract Surgery

A cataract is the primary cause of preventable blindness and is characterized by a congenital, developmental, or acquired opacity of the human lens. Cataracts are predominantly treated through surgical procedures utilizing a combination of anesthetic agents such as proparacaine to reduce patient discomfort. Proparacaine is used to inhibit voltage-gated sodium channels on neuronal membranes to prevent signal propagation and pain signaling in the patient. Current clinical standards call for the utilization of 0.5% proparacaine when used for local anesthesia in cataract surgeries. In this review, the authors extracted the reported application site and concentrations of proparacaine in conjunction with various combination agents to accurately describe its usage in cataract surgery. It was found that most surgeons adhered to the standard concentrations of proparacaine and generally used tropicamide, an eye dilator, as a combination agent in cataract surgery. Additionally, surgeons preferred anesthetic application to the retrobulbar block. The authors find that although surgeons are following standard protocol, adjustments for lowering the standard dose of proparacaine could prove beneficial in preventing proparacaine toxicity. Furthermore, the authors find that more research can be conducted in the future examining other combination agents for use with proparacaine to improve patient outcomes.

Effects of topical application of tramadol with/without dexmedetomidine and proparacaine on corneal sensitivity in rats

PURPOSE

To evaluate the corneal anesthetic effect following topical application of tramadol alone and in combination with dexmedetomidine, and compare it to proparacaine, in clinically healthy rats.

METHODS

A randomized, crossover study was performed. Twenty Wistar albino rats (n = 40 eyes) were used. Corneal touch threshold (CTT) measurements (in mm) were obtained using a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer. CTT measurements were obtained at baseline, 1-min following application of the topical anesthetic agent, and repeated at 5-min intervals up to 75 min. The topical protocol involved 3 treatment conditions, separated by a 2-week washout period: proparacaine, tramadol alone, and tramadol in combination with dexmedetomidine.

RESULTS

CTT values were significantly decreased compared to baseline at each timepoint until completion of the 75-min evaluation in all treated eyes, regardless of the assigned treatment (p < 0.0083). With tramadol, complete corneal anesthesia (CTT = 0) was achieved within 1-5 min in 18 eyes and ranged from 5 to 25 min. Co-administration of dexmedetomidine to tramadol resulted in significantly increased CTT values from 5 to 20 min following topical application, compared to tramadol alone (p < 0.0083), and complete corneal anesthesia was achieved in only 14 out of 20 treated eyes.

CONCLUSION

Tramadol might be a useful alternative to topical anesthetic agents, providing a dose-related corneal anesthetic effect. Co-administration of dexmedetomidine does not potentiate its anesthetic effect. The underlying mechanism(s) of drug antagonism between tramadol and dexmedetomidine remains to be determined.

Topical anaesthesia plus intracameral lidocaine versus topical anaesthesia alone for phacoemulsification cataract surgery in adults

BACKGROUND

Phacoemulsification cataract surgery is usually performed in adults under local anaesthesia. Topical anaesthesia, which involves instilling anaesthetic drops to the ocular surface prior to and during surgery, has found large acceptance internationally. It is safe and allows for rapid patient turnover and visual recovery. Some surgeons have supplemented topical anaesthesia with intracameral lidocaine, reasoning that this may further reduce intraoperative pain, particularly during surgical stages involving manipulation of intraocular structures and rapid changes in fluid dynamics. This review, originally published in 2006 and updated in 2020, explores the efficacy and safety of using supplementary intracameral lidocaine in phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether supplementing topical anaesthesia with intracameral lidocaine for phacoemulsification cataract surgery in adults reduces intraoperative and postoperative pain, and to assess differences in participant satisfaction, need for additional intraoperative anaesthesia, surgeon satisfaction, measures of intraocular toxicity, and adverse effects attributable to choice of anaesthesia.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS BIREME iAH, and six trial registries on 4 February 2020. We also searched the reference lists of identified studies. There were no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where participants underwent phacoemulsification for age-related cataract under topical anaesthesia with or without intracameral lidocaine either in two eyes of the same participant, or in different participants. We also included studies that used oral or intravenous sedation in addition to local anaesthesia.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed trial methodological quality using standard Cochrane procedures.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified five new RCTs in this updated review. We included a total of 13 trials in the review, conducted in the UK, the USA, Australia, Italy, Canada, Taiwan, Singapore, India, and Pakistan, and comprising 2388 eyes of 2355 participants (one study was a paired-eye study with each participant acting as their own control). The age range of participants was 34 to 95 years. We excluded studies that only included low-risk participants and excluded more difficult operative cases, for example hard lens nuclei or small pupils. We excluded studies assessing only participants with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy. We judged one study as at high risk for selection bias. We assessed five studies as having an unclear risk of bias for random sequence generation and seven studies an unclear risk of bias for allocation concealment. We judged three studies as at high risk of performance bias, as the surgeon was not blinded, and two studies as at unclear risk of bias for this domain. No studies were judged as at high risk for detection bias, but five studies were judged to have an unclear risk of bias for this domain. We judged all 13 included studies to have a low risk of attrition bias and an unclear risk of reporting bias. Data from eight RCTs favoured topical anaesthesia plus intracameral lidocaine 0.5% to 1% over topical anaesthesia alone for reducing intraoperative pain when measured using a 10-point visual analogue scale, analysed as a continuous outcome. Mean pain score was 0.26 lower in the supplemental intracameral lidocaine group (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.39 to -0.13, 1692 eyes, moderate-quality evidence). Data from seven RCTs favoured supplemental intracameral lidocaine for reducing intraoperative pain when measured as a dichotomous outcome. The odds ratio of experiencing any pain was 0.40 versus the topical anaesthesia-only group (95% CI 0.29 to 0.57, 1268 eyes, moderate-quality evidence). Data from four RCTs did not show any additional benefit on postoperative pain when measured using a 10-point visual analogue scale (mean difference 0.12 points, 95% CI -0.29 to 0.05, 751 eyes, moderate-quality evidence). The impact on participant satisfaction was uncertain as only one small study investigated this outcome. The study suggested no difference between groups (mean difference 0.1 points, 95% CI -0.47 to 0.27, 60 eyes, low-quality evidence). Data from seven RCTs did not demonstrate a difference between groups in the need for additional intraoperative anaesthesia (odds ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.39, 1194 eyes of 1161 participants; low-quality evidence), although this result is uncertain. A variety of measures were reported relating to possible intraocular toxicity. Data from four RCTs did not demonstrate a difference between groups in mean percentage corneal endothelial cell count change from pre- to postoperatively (mean difference 0.89%, 95% CI -1.12% to 2.9%, 254 eyes of 221 participants, moderate-quality evidence). Synthesis of the evidence from eight RCTs identified no difference in intraoperative adverse events between groups (odds ratio 1.00, 95% CI 0.32 to 3.16, 1726 eyes, low-quality evidence). This result should be interpreted with caution, mainly due to a lack of clear definitions of adverse events, low numbers of events, heterogeneity between studies, and large confidence intervals. Large observational studies may have been more appropriate for looking at this outcome.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is moderate-quality evidence that supplementation of topical anaesthesia with intracameral lidocaine 0.5% to 1% for phacoemulsification cataract surgery in adults reduces participant perception of intraoperative pain. The odds of experiencing any pain (as opposed to no pain) were 60% less for the topical anaesthesia plus intracameral lidocaine group versus the topical anaesthesia-only group. However, the numerical amplitude of the effect may not be of great clinical significance on the continuous pain score scale. Generally, the pain scores were consistently low for both techniques. We found moderate-quality evidence that there is no additional benefit of intracameral lidocaine on postoperative pain. There is insufficient evidence to determine the impact on participant satisfaction and need for additional intraoperative anaesthesia due to low-quality evidence. There is moderate-quality evidence that intracameral lidocaine supplementation does not increase measures of intraocular toxicity, specifically loss of corneal endothelial cells. There is low-quality evidence that the incidence of intraoperative adverse events is unchanged with intracameral lidocaine supplementation, but as RCTs are not the optimum medium for looking at this, this result should be interpreted with caution. Further research specifically investigating the adverse effects of intracameral anaesthesia might help to better determine its safety profile. Economic evaluations would also be useful for detailing cost implications.

Comparison between ropivacaine and bupivacaine in deep topical fornix nerve block anesthesia in patients undergoing cataract surgery by phacoemulsification

Purpose

In this study, we intend to analyze ropivacaine and bupivacaine in various parameters during phacoemulsification under deep topical fornix nerve block (DTFNB), a known form of nerve block for phacoemulsification.

Methods

This prospective randomized study was conducted on 100 patients undergoing elective cataract surgery by phacoemulsification under DTFNB. Patients were divided into two equal groups of fifty patients each, Groups B (bupivacaine) and Group R (ropivacaine). Two sponges, approximately 2 mm × 3 mm dimensions, saturated with either 0.5% bupivacaine or 0.75% ropivacaine were placed deep in the conjunctival fornices to perform the deep topical block. Both groups were evaluated for magnitude of pain and discomfort at various stages of phacoemulsification using a simple pain scoring system. The level of surgeon satisfaction, requirement for supplementary anesthesia, and surgical complications were also evaluated. Quantitative variables between the two groups were compared using unpaired t-test. Qualitative variables were correlated using Chi-square test.

Results

Overall demographic parameters of patients were similar in both groups. Similar mean pain scores were found in the ropivacaine and bupivacaine groups, with no statistical significance. Surgical satisfaction and the need for supplemental anesthesia were also statistically insignificant.

Conclusion

Ropivacaine is a good alternative for deep topical anesthesia as it has a better safety margin and lesser toxic effect than other comparable local anesthetic agents.

Evaluation of Topical Lignocaine Jelly 2% for Recurrent Pterygium Surgery with Glue-free Autologous Conjunctival Graft

AIM

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of lignocaine 2% jelly as a topical anesthesia in recurrent pterygium surgery with glue-free conjunctival limbal autograft.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective, nonrandomized, observational study, comprising of 51 patients (51 eyes) having recurrent pterygium, was conducted at a tertiary eye care center in central India. Pterygium excision with glue-free autologous conjunctival grafting was done under 2% lignocaine jelly. The visual analog scale was utilized to record the intra- and post-operative pain score. Patient comfort, intraoperative painful sensations perceived by the patient, supplemental anesthesia, complications, and surgeon discomfort were noted. Anesthetist also noted vital parameters and any intravenous drugs required.

RESULTS

No difference in intra- and post-operative pain score (P = 0.24) was observed in the patients. Zero score, i.e. no pain was noticed in 30 patients (58.8%) patients. The average surgical time was 29.20 min (+1.11). The average surgeon discomfort score was 0.18 + 0.51. Inadvertent eye movement was seen in 3 patients (5.9%). Lid squeeze was noted in 45 patients (88.2%) during placement of lid speculum. Forty-eight patients (94.1%) gave preference to the topical anesthesia of 2% lignocaine jelly compared to the previous mode of anesthesia.

CONCLUSION

Pterygium surgery with glue-free autogenous conjunctival grafting can be performed successfully by preoperative local application of 2% lignocaine jelly. The ease of application, lack of toxicity and sufficient effect to complete the surgery make it an efficient alternative to injectable anesthetics.

Combined 30-degree bevel up and down technique against 0-degree phaco tip for phacoemulsification surgery of hard cataracts

Purpose

To evaluate the effective phaco time (EPT), cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) and nucleus emulsification time (NET) as phaco parameters with 0- and 30-degree phaco tip.

Patients and methods

This prospective, interventional and observational case series included 294 patients scheduled for cataract removal by phacoemulsification technique. Patients with nuclear cataracts of grade 4 and 5 nuclear opalescence of Lens Opacities Classification System III were included in the study. Patients were consecutively allocated to phaco chop technique with 0-degree (0-degree group, n=147) and combined bevel up and down position using 30-degree phaco tip (combined bevel up/down group, n=147). The 0-degree group had phacoemulsification with 0-degree phaco tip, while the 30-degree group had chopping of the nucleus with bevel down phaco tip and emulsification of nuclear fragments was accomplished with bevel up tip. EPT, CDE, NET and intraoperative complications were noted and compared between the groups using analysis of variance.

Results

Average EPT, CDE and NET were lower in the 30-degree group than in the 0-degree group. However, no statistically significant difference was found in EPT (P=0.0733), CDE (P=0.0663) and NET (P=0.0633) between the two groups. No serious intraoperative complications were noted. The anterior chamber was maintained throughout the procedure in both groups. No patients had wound burn and miosis during the procedure. None of the patients developed bullous keratopathy, uveitis and cystoid macular edema during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Combined bevel up and down 30-degree tip can yield effective hard nucleus phacoemulsification. Bevel down tip of 30-degree helps in effective chopping and bevel up tip assists in emulsification of the nuclear fragments. Although combined bevel up and down 30-degree tip can yield effective hard nucleus phacoemulsification, no statistically significant difference was found in EPT, CDE and NET between the two groups.

Postoperative posterior capsular striae and the posterior capsular opacification in patients implanted with two types of intraocular lens material

AIM

To evaluate the incidence of postoperative posterior capsular striae (PCS) and its influence on posterior capsular opacification (PCO) in patients implanted with two types of lens material.

SETTING

Tertiary eye care center in central rural India.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, observational, nonrandomized study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 1247 patients having age-related cataract scheduled for removal by phacoemulsification technique and implantation of hydrophilic or hydrophobic intraocular lens (IOL). Demographic profile, nuclear grading, axial length, and IOL power were noted. Details of PCS were noted on the 1st postoperative day in patients with clear cornea. Postoperative follow-up was ensured to study the status of PCS and development of PCO.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of PCS was 19.8% (247 out of 1247 eyes). Out of 1247 patients, 641 patients (51.4%) had hydrophilic IOL implantation and 201 eyes had PCS (31.4%) and 606 patients (48.6%) had hydrophobic IOL implantation and 46 eyes had PCS (7.6%), P = 0.04. Three and more striae were seen in 119 eyes (119/641, 18.6%) in hydrophilic group and 4 eyes (4/606, 0.66%) in hydrophobic group. Sixty-two eyes (62/201, 30.9%) in hydrophilic group with multiple PCS were reported with persistent striae after 6 months of surgery. Two eyes in hydrophobic group had persistent striae even after 3 years of follow-up. Evaluation of PCO score of the hydrophilic group was 0.6 whereas of the hydrophobic group was 0.1 (P = 0.04). Ten patients of the hydrophilic group only required neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (ND: YAG) laser capsulotomy.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of PCS was higher in hydrophilic than hydrophobic IOLs. Multiple PCS persisting in patients beyond 6 months after operation should be followed up for early development of PCO, particularly in patients implanted with hydrophilic IOL.

Phacoemulsification without preoperative mydriasis in patients with age-related cataract associated with type 2 diabetes

Aim

To study the effect of intracameral injection of preservative-free lignocaine to induce pupil dilatation, without using any preoperative dilating eyedrops or intraoperative mydriatics in patients with age-related cataract associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Design

This was a prospective, observational, and interventional case series conducted at a tertiary eyecare center in rural India.

Materials and methods

A total of 32 patients underwent phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia for visually significant cataract. Preoperative pupillary diameter was measured 3 days prior to surgical procedure under mydriatics (tropicamide 0.8%, phenylephrine hydrochloride 5%). Intraoperative pupillary dilatation was achieved by 1% intracameral lignocaine solution alone. Effective phacoemulsification time (EPT), total surgical time, and final pupillary diameter were recorded at the conclusion of surgery.

Results

The average duration of diabetes was 11.2 (range 5–25) years. There was no difference in dilatation by preoperative pupil-dilating drops (5.2±0.5 mm, range 3–8.3 mm) and intracameral 1% lignocaine during the surgical procedure (P=0.63). There was a negative correlation (r=−0.92) between diabetes duration and dilatation of pupils with dilating drops and intracameral lignocaine. The duration of the surgery, EPT, and phacoemulsification chop had statistically insignificant effects on mydriasis, while the grade of the nucleus had a statistically significant effect on mydriasis. Intracameral lignocaine had no significant effect on blood pressure or pulse. There were no surgical complications that could have compromised the visual outcome. None of the patients developed macular edema in a follow-up period of 3 months; 28 patients (87.5%) had best-corrected visual acuity from 20/30 to 20/20.

Conclusion

Intracameral lignocaine 1% provides sufficient mydriasis for the safe phacoemulsification of cataract in patients with type 2 diabetes of variable duration.

Proparacaine hydrochloride topical drop and intracameral 0.5% lignocaine for phacotrabeculectomy in patients with primary open angle glaucoma

Aim:

To compare the efficacy and safety of 0.5% intracameral lignocaine to 1% intracameral lignocaine prior to phacotrabeculectomy.

Study Design:

Prospective, comparative, observational, and interventional study.

Setting:

Tertiary eye care center in central India.

Materials and Methods:

This study was comprised of 79 patients (79 eyes) with primary open angle glaucoma scheduled for phacotrabeculectomy. Patients were assigned to 1 of 2 Groups receiving proparacaine 0.5% eye drops and 1% intracameral lignocaine just prior to phacotrabeculectomy (Group 1, n = 39) and 0.5% intracameral lignocaine after completion of phacoemulsification just prior to trabeculectomy (Group 2, n = 40). The visual analogue scale was used to record intraoperative and postoperative pain. Patient comfort, intraoperative painful sensations perceived by the patient, supplemental anesthesia, complications, and surgeon discomfort were noted. An anesthetist also noted the vital parameters and the requirement for intravenous medications.

Results:

There was no significant difference in the intraoperative pain score (P = 0.0733) or supplemental anesthesia (P = 0.372) between Groups. Postoperative pain score was statistically significant in Group 2 (P < 0.0001). The overall operating conditions in both Groups were comparable (P = 0.7389). A greater number of patients in Group 2 (88.57%) preferred the same anesthetic technique for combined surgery in the fellow eye. There was no difference in inadvertent eye movements and lid squeezing between Groups and they did not interfere with surgery.

Conclusion:

Topical anesthetic drops supplemented with 0.5% intracameral lignocaine before performing trabeculectomy is as effective as 1% intracameral lignocaine given at the beginning of phacotrabeculectomy for primary open angle glaucoma.