Topical anesthesia in the extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation

Objective To explore the feasibility, advantages and disadvantages of topical anesthesia in the extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and intraocular lens implantation (IOL). Methods One hundred and twenty eyes with cataract were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups. One group was with topical anesthesia and the other with retrobulbar anesthesia and ECCE and IOL were performed on all patients. The percentage of sensation painful, high intraocular pressure (IOP) and broken of post capsular (PC) were observed during the operation and the early visual acuity of the 2 groups was compared. Results No significant difference was found in the painful sensation between the 2 groups ( P 0.05). IOP was better controlled in topical anesthesia group than in retrobulbar anesthesia group and the broken of PC was lower in the former than in the later group, while the early visual acuity had no significant difference. Conclusion Topical anesthesia in the extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation is feasible and with the advantages of well controlled IOP and less broken of PC.