fluorescein sodium + lidocaine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Topical local anaesthetic combined with an ophthalmic diagnostic dye
Licensed use
Measuring pressure inside the eye by Goldmann tonometry
Administration
Applied to the eye by a doctor or eye-care professional
Presentation
Sterile, preservative-free, single-use eye-drop units
What is fluorescein sodium + lidocaine hydrochloride used for?
The product is licensed as a diagnostic stain and topical anaesthetic for Goldmann tonometry.
Temporary corneal anaesthesia and staining during Goldmann measurement of intraocular pressure.
An NHS eye service also describes non-licensed use to highlight ocular-surface injury and support tear-drainage assessment.
How does fluorescein sodium + lidocaine hydrochloride work?
Lidocaine blocks sensory nerve endings in the cornea, temporarily reducing sensation. Fluorescein highlights conjunctival abrasions yellow-orange and corneal abrasions or ulcers bright green under suitable examination light.
How to take fluorescein sodium + lidocaine hydrochloride
These drops are normally administered by a doctor or eye-care professional during an examination. Remove contact lenses beforehand. Do not rub or touch the eye until sensation returns, and wait until blurred vision clears before driving or operating machinery.
Open the single-use unit immediately before administration.
Discard the unit and remaining solution after use.
Gentle nasolacrimal occlusion may reduce systemic absorption, particularly in children.
Do not reinsert contact lenses until the effects have completely worn off.
fluorescein sodium + lidocaine hydrochloride side effects
Get urgent medical advice
- Very rare allergic conjunctivitis causing eye redness or irritation
- Very rare swelling around the eye
- Very rare rash or raised, itchy hives
- Very rare anaphylactic reaction causing breathing difficulty or shock
fluorescein sodium + lidocaine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Longstanding use has not shown apparent harmful consequences, but specific pregnancy evidence is limited. Tell the eye-care professional if you are pregnant or might be pregnant.
fluorescein sodium + lidocaine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Tell the eye-care professional if you are breastfeeding. Longstanding use has not shown apparent harmful consequences. Specialist guidance considers topical lidocaine a minimal breastfeeding risk because systemic absorption is generally low, although that guidance is not specific to eye drops.
fluorescein sodium + lidocaine hydrochloride interactions
No medicine interactions are identified in the product information.
Other medicines
No interactions are known, but tell the eye-care professional about allergies and medicines used in or around the eyes.
Common questions about fluorescein sodium + lidocaine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What are these eye drops used for?
Their licensed use is to numb and stain the eye surface while an eye-care professional measures intraocular pressure by Goldmann tonometry.
Why might the eye look yellow or green?
Fluorescein is a diagnostic dye. Conjunctival abrasions may appear yellow-orange and damaged corneal areas bright green under examination light.
Can they cause an allergic reaction?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.