Tetracaine hydrochloride 0.5% versus lidocaine 2% jelly as a topical anesthetic agent in cataract surgery - Comparative clinical trial

PURPOSE: To assess the anesthetic efficacy of tetracaine hydrochloride 0.5% (TetraVisc) versus lidocaine 2% jelly in routine cataract extraction. SETTING: Private surgicenter, Warwick, Rhode Island, USA. METHODS: A prospective randomized double-blind clinical trial comprised 100 patients having routine cataract extraction by clear corneal phacoemulsification. Patients were randomized to receive TetraVisc or lidocaine 2% jelly, applied once, approximately 5 minutes before surgery. Outcomes included a self-reported postoperative pain score and the need for supplemental anesthesia. RESULTS: The mean self-reported postoperative pain scores for TetraVisc and lidocaine 2% jelly were similar (0.94 and 1.02, respectively; P =.76). A single patient in the lidocaine group required supplemental anesthesia. CONCLUSION: TetraVisc was as effective as lidocaine 2% jelly as a topical anesthetic agent for routine cataract extraction.