Intracameral mydriatics versus topical mydriatics in pupil dilation for phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intracameral mydriatics (lidocaine 1.0% and phenylephrine 1.5%) versus topical mydriatics (phenylephrine 2.5% and tropicamide 1.0%) in pupil dilation for phacoemulsification surgery in Malaysians.

SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Penang General Hospital, Georgetown Penang, Malaysia.

DESIGN: Prospective comparative case series.

METHOD: Patients with immature cataract were randomized to the topical mydriatic group (topical group) or intracameral mydriatic group (intracameral group). Patients with small pupils and complicated cataracts were excluded. Pupil diameter changes were measured throughout the surgery. Additional pupil dilation maneuvers and complications were recorded.

RESULTS: The study comprised 112 patients. There was no difference in mean pupil dilation between the intracameral group (4.86 mm ± 0.74 [SD]) and the topical group (4.88 ± 0.91 mm) (P = .86). However, the mean pupil size before capsulorhexis in the topical group (7.23 ± 1.08 mm) was significantly larger than in the intracameral group (6.40 ± 0.80 mm) (P = .01). The pupils in the intracameral group continued to dilate during surgery (0.44 ± 0.62 mm), while those in the topical group constricted (-0.41 ± 1.04 mm) (P < .001). Three patients in the intracameral group and 6 in the topical group required additional maneuvers for pupil dilation (P = .49). Each group had 1 complication (P = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS: Intracameral mydriatic agents dilated heavily pigmented pupils for phacoemulsification cataract surgery. However, in the early stages of surgery, pupil dilation was slower than with topical agents.