Effect of Xylocaine on Tear Production among Young Adults Attending Central Hospital Warri, Delta State, Nigeria
Osuji Samuel Chibueze, Bazuaye Kingsley N., &Areh Ewomazino Patricia
Department of Optometry
Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria
Email: drsamsuji@yahoo.com Correspondence: Osuji Samuel Chibueze
ABSTRACT
Xylocaine (Lidocain HCL) is a local anesthetic used topically to numb the surface of the eyes; it is used mostly in the removal of foreign body, contact/ applanation tonometry etc. Due to its moderate properties,
Xylocain is one of the most versatile agents in anesthesia and as such is often used by optometrists and ophthalmologists alike in different clinical procedures. This study was conducted to determine the effects of
Xylocaine on quantitative estimation of tear production using Schirmer’s tear test among young adults attending Central Hospital Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. This was an experimental study. A total of 80
subjects participated in this study, out of which 31(38.80%) were males and 49(61.30%) were females. The mean age of the participants was 24±5.21 years and the age range was from 18 – 35 years, being subjects who were
free from ocular diseases and not on any systemic drugs. With due ethical considerations, informed consent and demographic information were obtained from the participants. Data was obtained by measuring the tear
production for each subject before and after the instillation of Xylocain (2%) using a sterile Schirmer’s tear strip. Results showed the mean Schirmer’s tear value before instillation of Xylocaine to be 20.68 ± 5.39mm,
and value at 2mins after instillation of Xylocaine was 14.00 ± 3.57 mm while values after 10mins post instillation of Xylocaine was 20.59 ± 5.64 mm returning to near baseline value. The findings showed a decrease
in baseline Schirmer’s tear values after instillation of Xylocaine. Statistical analysis also revealed the effect of Xylocaine on Schirmer’s tear test to be significant (P<0.001). The result of this research will enable ocular
health workers to know the exact effect of Xylocaine on Schirmer’s tear test and take necessary precaution on its use.
Keywords: Effects; Xylocaine; Tear Production; Schirmer’s Test; Adults.
