A K Kwok1, A L Young, D S Lam. 1. Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Eye Hospital. kwokkh@ha.org.hk
Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical 2% lignocaine gel in providing analgesia during outpatient transpupillary or trans-scleral laser treatment of inflamed eyes. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out of consecutive eligible eyes undergoing laser treatment using 2% lignocaine gel as a topical anaesthetic and a coupling medium. At the conclusion of each procedure, patients were asked to grade a pain score (0 = no discomfort, 1 = mild discomfort, 2 = mild pain, 3 = moderate pain, 4 = severe pain). RESULTS: Twenty eyes in 19 patients received laser treatment. No pain was reported in 95% of cases treated (no discomfort in 75%, mild discomfort in 20%) and only mild pain in 5% (one patient). No adverse reactions were encountered in any of the patients. There were no complications associated with the procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Lignocaine 2% gel is safe and effective for outpatient transpupillary and trans-scleral laser treatment in inflamed eyes, providing adequate analgesia and serving as a coupling medium at the same time.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical 2% lignocaine gel in providing analgesia during outpatient transpupillary or trans-scleral laser treatment of inflamed eyes. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out of consecutive eligible eyes undergoing laser treatment using 2% lignocaine gel as a topical anaesthetic and a coupling medium. At the conclusion of each procedure, patients were asked to grade a pain score (0 = no discomfort, 1 = mild discomfort, 2 = mild pain, 3 = moderate pain, 4 = severe pain). RESULTS: Twenty eyes in 19 patients received laser treatment. No pain was reported in 95% of cases treated (no discomfort in 75%, mild discomfort in 20%) and only mild pain in 5% (one patient). No adverse reactions were encountered in any of the patients. There were no complications associated with the procedures. CONCLUSIONS:Lignocaine 2% gel is safe and effective for outpatient transpupillary and trans-scleral laser treatment in inflamed eyes, providing adequate analgesia and serving as a coupling medium at the same time.