Lidocaine & Fluorescein Bausch + Lomb (Fluorescein Sodium, Lidocaine Hydrochloride)

Lidocaine & Fluorescein Bausch + Lomb is used in ophthalmic procedures that require anesthesia and tissue visualization.

• Corneal and conjunctival staining: enhances visualization of epithelial defects and foreign bodies during slit‑lamp examination.
• Ocular surface anesthesia: provides temporary numbness to facilitate intra‑ocular pressure measurement, tonometry, and minor procedures such as foreign‑body removal.
• Diagnostic fluorescein angiography preparation: aids in delineating ocular surface before dye injection for retinal imaging.

• Lidocaine hydrochloride blocks voltage‑gated sodium channels on peripheral nerve membranes, preventing depolarization and producing local anesthesia. Fluorescein sodium binds to plasma proteins and, when illuminated with blue light, emits a bright yellow‑green fluorescence that stains corneal and conjunctival epithelium, allowing clinicians to detect defects and assess ocular surface integrity.

Adverse reactions may occur following ocular application of the solution.

Common Side Effects

• Burning or stinging sensation at the application site.
• Transient redness or mild conjunctival irritation.
• Temporary blurred vision.
• Mild allergic conjunctivitis.
• Tear film disturbance.
• Mild headache.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe allergic reaction including anaphylaxis.
• Corneal epithelial toxicity or ulceration.
• Persistent increase in intra‑ocular pressure.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (rare).
• Vision loss due to corneal damage.
• Systemic toxicity from excessive lidocaine absorption.

When using Lidocaine & Fluorescein Bausch + Lomb, consider the following precautions.

• Allergy assessment: verify no known hypersensitivity to lidocaine, fluorescein, or sulfonamides.
• Corneal integrity: avoid in patients with compromised epithelium or active ulceration.
• Infection risk: do not use in the presence of active ocular infection without physician guidance.
• Contact lens use: advise patients to remove lenses until the dye is cleared.
• Minimal dosing: apply only the amount required for the procedure to reduce irritation.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from light and moisture.

Lidocaine & Fluorescein Bausch + Lomb may interact with other ophthalmic or systemic agents.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Concurrent use of other topical ophthalmic anesthetics containing local anesthetics, which can increase corneal toxicity.
• Systemic medications that lower seizure threshold (e.g., bupropion) may heighten risk of lidocaine‑related neurotoxicity if absorbed.
• Co‑administration with additional fluorescein‑containing products may cause overstaining and diagnostic confusion.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Preservative‑containing contact lens solutions may exacerbate ocular irritation.
• Topical corticosteroids may mask early signs of corneal toxicity.
• Systemic beta‑blockers can affect intra‑ocular pressure readings during tonometry.