Uses and Ways of Administering Lidocaine in Ophthalmology

Abstract

Lidocaine is the most widely used local anesthetic worldwide for cataract surgery. It is also commonly used in other ophthalmic surgical procedures of the anterior segment, surface of the eyeball, eyelids and lacrimal ducts, as well as in the posterior segment of the eye. This review aims to provide an update on the main characteristics, effects and ways of administering lidocaine used in ophthalmology. A systematic search on the subject was carried out in scientific publications indexed in databases, the information collected was summarized in this work. Lidocaine comes in multiple pharmaceutical forms, with a variety of concentrations and formulations. Generally, 0.5%, 1% and 2% concentrations are used for injection, 2% for topical anesthesia in gel and 4% in ophthalmic solution. Its effect as a local anesthetic is well known, at ocular level it can be achieved through periocular and intraocular injections or by topical application. This anesthetic effect of lidocaine offers some pupillary dilation capacity, which has been frequently studied and exploited in recent years. Other local and systemic effects of lidocaine are currently under study. The uses of lidocaine in ophthalmology today are supported primarily by its time-tested efficacy and safety.