For many eye doctors, part of the eye exam includes putting an anesthetic eye drop in the eye to help check eye pressure. He may also numb the eye before removing a foreign body or before a minor, in-office surgical procedure. Patients should not use the drops without a doctor’s orders, since frequent use may cause surface damage or prevent proper healing of many eye conditions. However, some people may experience side effects from a single dose.
Numbness
The likeliest side effect, as well as the main purpose of anesthetic eye drops, is numbness on the surface of the eye. Numbness often lasts around 20 minutes, though if the doctor repeats the eye drop, the numbness may last longer, reports MayoClinic.com. As a result, the eye may remain numb long after the doctor completes the testing or procedure. A person who had an anesthetic eye drop in her eye should avoid rubbing or touching the eye. While numb, the eye cannot relay information regarding whether a person rubs too hard or if an injury occurs. If a person feels an exceptional need to rub his eye, he should use a soft tissue and take care to gently dab at the eye instead of rub. This may help prevent injury from the lack of sensation.
Discomfort
Another common side effect is discomfort. When the doctor instills the drop in the eye, the drop often causes an immediate burning sensation. However, as the anesthetic takes effect, the irritation will ease. After the eye regains sensation, the discomfort should not return. Some people may have an allergic reaction to the eye drop, and they may experience a return of the burning and irritation. People with such reactions may also have excessive watering, redness or swelling of the eyelids, states MayoClinic.com. If any of these symptoms occur, the person should notify the eye doctor immediately. While the eye is numb, it may also feel heavy and tired. After the procedure or examination, a person may wish to close her eyes in order to help relieve the heaviness. The heavy feeling should dissipate as the effects of the drop wear off.
Systemic Reactions
Though placed in the eye, the eye drops absorb into the body, and this may result in systemic, or body-wide, side effects. Some systemic reactions may include dizziness, sweating or nausea. Some people may experience changes in heart rate and have difficulty breathing, states MayoClinic.com. A person experiencing any unusual sensations or side effects should inform the eye doctor immediately in case the person requires urgent treatment.
