Topical gel vs subconjunctival lidocaine for intravitreous injection: a randomized clinical trial.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine if topical gel is superior to subconjunctival injection of lidocaine in relieving pain of intravitreous injection of corticosteroid. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. PATIENT POPULATION One hundred patients receiving intravitreous injection of triamcinolone. INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURE Topical lidocaine 2% gel and subconjunctival lidocaine 2% injection. OUTCOME MEASURE: Analog pain score assessment, conducted by technician masked to treatment. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in pain scores between the treatment groups (P = .1). CONCLUSIONS: The effective relief of pain with lidocaine for intravitreous injection is independent of its mode of application (gel vs subconjunctival injection).