The Application of Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase is Effective for the Use of Local Blocks for Eyelid Surgery

Subjects scheduled for bilateral upper eyelid surgery will be recruited from among the patients of the Duke Eye Center. After consent is obtained following full explanation of the research, subjects will be randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) on the day of the surgery to receive local anaesthesia by either with recombinant hyaluronidase (rHuPH20) or without it. Approximately 2 ml of prepared block will be infiltrated in both upper eyelids.

Dilutions (Blocks):

A) 0.5 mL of lidocaine 2% with epinephrine 1:100,000 and 0.5 mL of marcaine 0.75% and 1 mL (150 U) of rHuPH20 for a total of 75 U/ml B) 2 mL of lidocaine 2% with epinephrine 1:100,000 without rHuPH20

Test preparation will be applied subcutaneously in both upper eyelids by injection using a 30-gauge injection needle with the patient in supine position. Every patient will be injected by the same Oculoplastic surgeon.

A Pinprick pain test will be perform 5 minutes after each injection using a sterile "finger stick" needle at three sites of each upper eyelid. These sites include medial, central and lateral portion of each eyelid, approximately 4 mm above the lid margin. The subject will be asked to rate the degree of pain experienced at each site on a scale from 0 (none) to 10 (severe). An average pain score will be calculated for each eyelid. This will help determine if one of the 2 dilutions have a faster anaesthetic effect.