Comparison of Tetracaine 0.5% and Lidocaine 2% Jelly for Topical Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery

The Effects on Betadine 5% Penetration When Using Lidocaine 2% Jelly Versus Topical Tetracaine 0.5% for Topical Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery.

The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference on the penetration of betadine 5% when using lidocaine 2% jelly versus topical tetracaine 0.5% in topical cataract surgery. This will be assessed comparing bacterial colony count and species by taking swabs from the eye surface before and after the topical anesthesia has been administered.

The purpose of this research study is to show that using Lidocaine2% jelly before surgery as an anesthetic (keep you from feeling touch or pain) for cataract surgery does not block the antiseptic (cleans and kills germs) effect of Betadine5%.

Inclusion Criteria:

• greater or equal to 18 years old
• uni- or bi-lateral visually significant cataracts

Exclusion Criteria:

• hypersensitivity to betadine5%, topical tetracaine0.5%, or lidocaine2% jelly
• pregnancy