Imagine that you have to have an eye exam or minor surgery. For example, before measuring your eye pressure, removing a small object from your eye, or undergoing cataract surgery, your doctor may want to numb your eye temporarily so that you don't feel any pain. Lidocaine ophthalmic gel is a special gel that is used for such procedures. Since many people have questions about this, let's talk about it in simple, detailed terms today.
What exactly is Lidocaine Ophthalmic Gel?
Simply put, this is a drug that causes numbness. In medicine, we call this an anesthetic . Just like a numbing medicine is injected into the gums before a tooth is extracted, when this gel is applied to the eye, the eye and the surrounding area temporarily numb. This allows the doctor to perform the necessary medical procedure without you feeling any pain.
This usually comes in the form of a gel, so it's very easy to apply to your eyes. After the doctor puts a small amount of this gel in your eye, your eye will start to sting within a few minutes. This stinging usually lasts for about 15-20 minutes and then goes away on its own.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
This is a very important point. Your doctor should have a complete understanding of your health condition before prescribing this medicine to you. Therefore, be sure to inform your doctor about the following:
| Information to be reported | Description |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Lidocaine or any other anesthetic. Also tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are currently pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, it is imperative that you inform your doctor before using this medication. |
How do I use this medicine? Can I use it at home?
No. This is the most important thing you need to remember. This Lidocaine ophthalmic gel is not a medicine that you can buy from a pharmacy and use at home.
This medicine is only used in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or trained health professional. They are the ones who will put the correct dose, in the correct way, into your eye.
Therefore, you will not be allowed to take this medicine home, and it is not at all good to share it with anyone else.
Do you use this for small children?
Yes, sometimes children also have to use this medicine. But it requires special care. Therefore, if you are using this medicine for your child, you should talk to your pediatrician about it and follow his instructions.
What to do if you overdose on the medicine?
Since this medication is prescribed by a doctor, the chance of an overdose is very low. However, if it suddenly happens, or if you suspect it, there are two things you should do immediately.
1. Call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital .
2. Alternatively, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Things to be careful about after taking the medicine
After the doctor puts this gel in your eye, you won't feel anything because the eye is completely numb. You need to be very careful at this time.
- Do not touch, rub, or rub your eyes for any reason. Since the eye cannot feel anything, you can inadvertently damage or scratch your eye with your hands.
- Do not wear contact lenses until the stinging sensation in your eyes has completely disappeared. Your doctor will tell you how long it will take for the stinging sensation to disappear. Be patient until that time is up.
- If your symptoms do not improve, or if they seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, some people may experience minor side effects. But most of the time, these are not serious. Let's break these side effects down into two categories.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Eye pain | Eye pain that persists or worsens after the eye irritation has subsided. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Eye discomfort | There may be some mild burning, redness, or mild pain immediately after the medication is applied. These usually go away after a while. |
| Headache | Some people may experience a slight headache. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, do not be alarmed and talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Lidocaine ophthalmic gel is a medication used to numb the eye to prevent pain before eye exams and minor surgeries.
- This is never a home remedy, and is only given by a doctor in a hospital or clinic.
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor about any allergies you have and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- After applying the medicine, avoid touching, rubbing, and wearing contact lenses until the stinging sensation has completely subsided.
- Call your doctor immediately if you experience severe side effects, such as severe allergic symptoms or eye pain.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, never be afraid to ask your doctor.
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