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.
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Kwok, A., Young, A. & Lam, D. Efficacy of lignocaine gel for outpatient laser treatment in inflamed eyes. Eye 15, 608–611 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/eye.2001.194
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/eye.2001.194