Formulary

11.7 Local anaesthetics

First Line
Second Line
Specialist
Hospital Only

Local anaesthetics are used for anaesthesia prior to tonometry, removal of foreign bodies, minor conjunctival and corneal surgery. Patients should be advised to avoid dust and not to touch their eyes for at least 30 minutes after a procedure.

Proxymetacaine produces less ocular pain on administration compared to other local anaesthetics. It has a short duration of action.

Proxymetacaine
  • Single use preservative free eye drops 0.5% (£13.74 = 20 x 0.5ml unit dose)
Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate)
  • Single use preservative free eye drops 0.4% (£11.97 = 20 x 0.5ml unit dose)
Tetracaine
  • Single use preservative free eye drops 0.5%, 1% (£11.66 = 20 x 0.5ml unit dose)