Deep, topical, nerve-block anesthesia.

Retrobulbar anesthesia produces profound anesthesia but involves risks such as hemorrhage and ocular tissue damage. Simple topical anesthesia is safer but does not produce the same depth of anesthesia. I have developed a technique that places a lidocaine-soaked sponge deep in the conjunctival fornices. This deep, topical, "nerve-block" technique produces a level of anesthesia previously seen only with injection techniques. I present the results of using this technique in 81 cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation procedures. Supplemental injection was used in only two patients. The technique has advantages over injection and topical methods of anesthesia and is applicable to a variety of surgical procedures.