Lidocaine 1% Preservative-Free is a local anaesthetic used inside the eye to numb it during cataract surgery.
| Drug class | Local Anaesthetic (Intracameral) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Intracameral |
| Common strength | 1% |
| Common Indian brands | PF lidocaine for intracameral use |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Lidocaine 1% Preservative-Free is used for
Lidocaine 1% Preservative-Free is a specialised medicine used in ophthalmology. It is primarily used for:
- Anaesthesia inside the eye during cataract surgery
This medicine helps to make the eye numb, ensuring that you do not feel pain during the surgical procedure. It is an important part of making cataract surgery a comfortable experience for patients.
How it works
Lidocaine 1% Preservative-Free works as a local anaesthetic. This means it temporarily blocks nerve signals in the area where it is applied. When used inside the eye (intracamerally) during cataract surgery, it prevents pain signals from reaching your brain, effectively numbing the eye. The ‘preservative-free’ aspect is crucial because preservatives, while useful in other medicines, can be harmful to the delicate structures inside the eye. Therefore, this specific formulation is chosen to ensure it is safe for intraocular (inside the eye) use.
How it’s used
Lidocaine 1% Preservative-Free is administered as a single dose directly inside the eye during cataract surgery. This procedure is performed by a qualified ophthalmologist in a hospital or clinic setting. You will not be required to administer this medicine yourself. Your doctor will determine the exact timing and method of administration during your surgery.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- PF lidocaine for intracameral use
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Good to know
Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. This is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
Precautions & side effects
When Lidocaine 1% Preservative-Free is used, there are specific precautions that your ophthalmologist will be aware of and follow:
- It must be preservative-free for intraocular use. This is a critical safety measure to protect the delicate tissues inside your eye.
As a patient, you do not need to take any specific precautions regarding the administration of this medicine, as it is given by specialists during surgery. However, it is always important to inform your doctor about any allergies you have or any other medicines you are taking, even if they seem unrelated to your eye condition or surgery.
Understanding Cataracts and Their Treatment
Cataracts are a very common eye condition, especially as people get older. A cataract occurs when the natural lens inside your eye, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy. This cloudiness can make your vision blurry, hazy, or less colourful. It might feel like you are looking through a frosty or dirty window. Common symptoms include difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light and glare, seeing halos around lights, and needing brighter light for reading. If left untreated, cataracts can gradually worsen and significantly affect your daily life and independence.
The good news is that cataracts are treatable. The most effective and common treatment for cataracts is surgery. During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is carefully removed and replaced with a clear, artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is highly successful in restoring clear vision for most patients. Modern cataract surgery is a sophisticated procedure, and it is performed with great precision by skilled ophthalmologists.
Before your surgery, your ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough examination of your eyes and discuss the procedure with you. They will explain what to expect and answer any questions you may have. It’s important to follow all pre-operative instructions given by your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome.
The Role of Anaesthesia in Eye Surgery
For any surgical procedure, including eye surgery, anaesthesia is crucial to ensure your comfort and prevent pain. In eye surgery, local anaesthetics are often used. These medicines numb only a specific part of your body, allowing you to remain awake but pain-free during the procedure. Lidocaine 1% Preservative-Free is one such local anaesthetic specifically designed for use inside the eye during cataract surgery. Its purpose is to make sure you do not feel any pain during the operation, making the experience as comfortable as possible for you.
While the anaesthetic is working, you might feel some pressure or movement, but you should not feel any sharp pain. Your surgical team will continuously monitor your comfort throughout the procedure. After the surgery, the effects of the anaesthetic will gradually wear off. Your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to manage any mild discomfort you might experience post-surgery, which is usually controlled with prescribed eye drops or mild pain relievers.
General Advice for Eye Health and Post-Surgery Care
Maintaining good eye hygiene is always important, especially when recovering from eye surgery. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or applying any post-operative eye drops. Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eyes, especially in the initial days after surgery. Follow your doctor’s instructions meticulously regarding the use of prescribed eye drops, which are vital for healing and preventing infection. Do not use any eye drops that have not been prescribed by your ophthalmologist.
Store all your eye medicines as directed by your doctor or pharmacist, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Never share your eye medicines with others, and do not use expired medicines.
After cataract surgery, it’s normal to experience some mild irritation, sensitivity to light, or a gritty feeling for a few days. However, if you experience severe pain, sudden vision loss, excessive redness, or discharge from your eye, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. These could be signs of a complication that needs urgent attention. Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are essential to monitor your healing and ensure the best long-term results for your vision.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lidocaine 1% Preservative-Free used for?
Lidocaine 1% Preservative-Free is used to provide anaesthesia (numbing) inside the eye during cataract surgery. It helps ensure you do not feel pain during the procedure.
How does Lidocaine 1% Preservative-Free work?
It works as a local anaesthetic, temporarily blocking nerve signals in the eye to prevent pain during surgery. The 'preservative-free' part means it's safe for use inside the eye without causing harm to delicate tissues.
What are the common Indian brands for this medicine?
This medicine is generally referred to as 'PF lidocaine for intracameral use' in India. It is a specialised hospital-use product rather than a common retail brand.
How is Lidocaine 1% Preservative-Free administered?
It is given as a single dose directly inside the eye by a qualified ophthalmologist during cataract surgery. It is never for self-use.
Do I need a prescription for Lidocaine 1% Preservative-Free?
Yes, this is a prescription eye medicine. It is only used by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and requires a prescription from a qualified ophthalmologist.
What are the key precautions for Lidocaine 1% Preservative-Free?
The most important precaution is that it must be preservative-free for safe use inside the eye. As a patient, you don't administer it yourself, but always inform your doctor about any allergies or other medicines you are taking.
References
- Lidocaine – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.