Adults Eye Drops

Anaesthetic drops.

Anaesthetic drops are used before measuring the eye pressure, viewing the angle of the eye and before laser treatments. There is some initial sting and then the eye is numbed. There is no change in the pupil or vision. Please don’t rub your eyes for 20 minutes (you could scratch the surface).

Dilating drops.

There are several different types of dilating drops. Most do sting a bit for 10 seconds. They are used to check the retina more clearly eg in diabetes. The pupil becomes larger, so you will be aware of glare. The vision will be blurry especially for phone, reading or computer viewing. The drops will wear off in approximately 4 hours. Please use sunglasses and it is advisable to have a driver.

Cycloplegic drops.

Occasionally these drops are used  to accurately  measure the underlying focussing effort the eye uses to see. The eyes will be blurry for up to 24hrs. They do not sting, but are "wet".

Coloured drops.

Fluorescein is a commonly used yellow drop which turns green under a bllue light of the slitlamp microscope. It is used to measure the intraocular (eye) pressure. It is also shows the site, shape and size of scratches or ulcers on the surface of the eye.

Rose Bengal is a bright pink drop. It also shows areas of change on the surface of the eye.

Lissame green is another helpful drop.