Effect of retrobulbar injection of lidocaine on saccadic velocities

PURPOSE: To determine whether exposing the extraocular muscles (EOMs) to lidocaine via retrobulbar injection for cataract surgery has a demonstrable negative effect on subsequent function of the muscle. SETTING: York Finch Eye Associates, Humber River Regional Hospital, and Toronto Western Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. METHODS: This study comprised 37 eyes that had phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation; 13 eyes had retrobulbar lidocaine with hyaluronidase and 24 eyes, topical anesthesia. The postoperative saccadic velocities were compared with the preoperative velocities using a sensitive recording device. The results were compared within and between the retrobulbar lidocaine and topical anesthesia groups. RESULTS: No detectable decrement in postoperative saccadic velocities was detected in any patient, and no difference was found between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Exposing EOMs to lidocaine for cataract surgery had no detectable negative effect on saccadic velocities 1 week after surgery.