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.