Comparison Between 2% Lidocaine Gel and 5% Tetracaine Eye Drop as Topical Anesthesia in Phacoemulsification

Approval from Ethical Committee of Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia was acquired prior conducting the study. Subjects were given informed consent before enrolling the study and randomized into two groups (Lidocaine gel and tetracaine eye drop group). Lidocaine group received 2% lidocaine gel in 1 ml syringe, applied to the eye. Tetracaine group received 0.5% tetracaine eye drop. Topical anesthesia was given 5 minutes before phacoemulsification. Five minutes after phacoemulsification finished, visual analog score (VAS) and subjects and surgeon's satisfaction were assessed. Every additional topical anesthesia needed was recorded.

Inclusion criteria

• patients aged more than 40 years old who were planned to undergo elective phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation at operating room. The surgery was operated by an experienced ophthalmologist. Subjects had been explained about the study, and agreed to enroll and have signed the informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria

• Subjects with history of allergy to topical anesthesia (2% lidocaine gel and 0.5% tetracaine eye drop), subjects who used another method of intraoperative anesthesia other than topical anesthesia, subjects with history of phacoemulsification before, subjects with difficulty in communication, dementia, and anxiety.

Dropout Criteria:

• Phacoemulsifications duration more than 30 minutes, and subjects who resigned from the study before the study ended