Corneal staining after instillation of topical anesthetic (SSII)

The ocular surface of 74 subjects was assessed with the biomicroscope after sequential instillations of fluorescein (SSI) and again after a single instillation of Ophthetic that was followed by sequential instillations of fluorescein (SSII). Twenty-six eyes (17.6%) stained after SSI and 89 eyes (60%) stained after SSII. The use of Ophthetic seems to enhance the nonuniform penetration of fluorescein into the epithelium in specific regions of the cornea of some subjects. The clinical significance of this finding is unknown.