Effect of application duration of 2% lidocaine jelly on aqueous lidocaine concentration for topical anesthesia in cataract surgery.

Background: To evaluate the intraocular penetration of lidocaine 2% gel after different duration of application and to assess their effects on intraoperative pain.

Methods: Samples of aqueous humor were obtained in 41 eyes that had phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia with 2% lidocaine gel. The duration between lidocaine gel application and paracentesis was recorded.