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Supplemental anesthetic may reduce LASIK pain

Am J Ophthalmol. 2011;doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2011.08.040.

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Using 2% lidocaine gel as a supplement to topical anesthesia with 0.5% proparacaine led to a less painful LASIK procedure, a study found.

"The use of supplementary 2% lidocaine gel in LASIK is effective in lowering the pain experienced during and up to 45 minutes after LASIK," the researchers said.

The randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial compared pain scores of 51 patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral LASIK. One eye was randomly assigned to receive supplementary 2% lidocaine gel while and the fellow eye received a carbomer gel control, both in addition to topical 0.5% proparacaine.

Pain scores were assessed at 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 45 minutes after LASIK. Scores were significantly lower in the lidocaine gel-treated group during microkeratome flap creation and laser ablation and at 30 minutes and 45 minutes postop. Additionally, patients in this group required less additional topical anesthesia and were more cooperative, the researchers said.

No surgical or postoperative complications were observed.