Comparing Efficacy and Safety of Intracameral Injection of Marcaine and Lidocaine on Postoperative Pain and Recovery After Cataract Surgery

Abstract

Background: Various topical (intracameral) analgesics are used to relieve postoperative pain after cataract surgery.Objectives: We decided to compare the effects of intracameral Marcaine and lidocaine on pain intensity after the cataract operation.Methods: In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 64 patients who were candidates for cataract surgery were randomly as-signed to either anesthesia with lidocaine or bupivacaine (Marcaine) by intracameral injection. Study endpoints included pain score, hemodynamic status, patient satisfaction, and recovery duration.Results: The Marcaine group experienced a shorter recovery than another group (P = 0.001). The mean pain score at the different time points after the operation was significantly lower in the group receiving Marcaine than those receiving lidocaine (P < 0.001). Our study showed a higher level of patients' satisfaction with Marcaine as compared to the lidocaine group (P = 0.026). However, postoperative hemodynamic status was similar in both groups.Conclusions: Compared with lidocaine, intracameral injection of Marcaine results in a shorter postoperative recovery period, re-duced pain intensity, and higher satisfaction among patients after cataract surgery.