Efficacy and safety of three ophthalmic inserts for topical anaesthesia of the cornea. An exploratory comparative dose-ranging, double-blind, randomized trial in healthy volunteers.

Background: Cataract surgery requires prolonged anaesthesia, concomitant with permanent hydration and lubrication of the cornea, in order to provide a clear view of the operation area.

Aims: The primary objective of the study was to assess several formulae of a soluble ophthalmic insert: TOPICSERT [bupivacaine (Bupi) + hyaluronic acid (HA) or sodium hyaluronate] in terms of complete and long-lasting anaesthesia of the cornea. The hydration properties of HA were not assessed in this study.