Induction of apoptosis of rabbit corneal endothelial cells by preservative-free lidocaine hydrochloride 2%, ropivacaine 1%, or levobupivacaine 0.75%

Intracameral injections of preservative-free lidocaine, ropivacaine, and levobupivacaine induced significantly more apoptotic endothelial cell loss than BSS Plus and led to morphologic changes in the corneal endothelial cells in the early period. This effect was temporary, with recovery by 7 days. Considering the limited proliferative capacity in human eyes, the induced apoptosis might result in the permanent cell loss and enlargement in human corneal endothelium.