38.3 Ocular Anesthetics and Lubricants
3 min read•june 18, 2024
and play crucial roles in eye care. Anesthetics block pain signals, aiding in procedures and relieving discomfort. Lubricants create a protective barrier, treating dry eye and easing post-surgery irritation.
Nurses must know proper administration techniques, potential side effects, and patient education points. Key considerations include assessing allergies, monitoring for adverse reactions, and teaching patients correct application methods to ensure safe and effective use.
Ocular Anesthetics and Lubricants
Key properties and uses
Top images from around the web for Key properties and uses
Efficacy of an ocular bandage contact lens for the treatment of dry eye after ... View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Artificial tears brands.jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Central Processing · Anatomy and Physiology View original
Is this image relevant?
Efficacy of an ocular bandage contact lens for the treatment of dry eye after ... View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Artificial tears brands.jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Key properties and uses
Efficacy of an ocular bandage contact lens for the treatment of dry eye after ... View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Artificial tears brands.jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Central Processing · Anatomy and Physiology View original
Is this image relevant?
Efficacy of an ocular bandage contact lens for the treatment of dry eye after ... View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Artificial tears brands.jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
-
- Provide local anesthesia to the eye by blocking in nerve cells prevents transmission of pain signals
- Used for diagnostic procedures (), surgical procedures (), and to relieve pain ()
- Examples: ,
- Ocular lubricants
- Provide lubrication and moisture to the eye by creating a protective barrier on the surface
- Used to treat , protect the eye during diagnostic procedures (fluorescein staining), and relieve discomfort (post-surgery)
- Examples: (Refresh Tears), (GenTeal)
Actions, side effects, and interactions
- Actions
- Ocular anesthetics block sodium channels in nerve cells prevents transmission of pain signals
- Ocular lubricants provide a protective barrier and maintain moisture on the eye surface
- Side effects
- Ocular anesthetics cause temporary , stinging, burning, conjunctival redness
- Ocular lubricants cause temporary blurred vision, mild stinging, rarely allergic reactions (itching, swelling)
- Drug interactions
- Ocular anesthetics may interact with other prolonging their effects
- Ocular lubricants generally have no significant drug interactions
Nursing considerations
- Assessment
- Check for allergies to any components of the medication (preservatives)
- Assess the patient's eye condition (redness, discharge) and reason for administration (procedure, dry eye)
- Administration
- Ensure proper technique to avoid contamination (not touching eye with dropper) and injury (gently pulling down lower lid)
- Instruct the patient to close their eye gently after administration for 1-2 minutes
- Monitoring
- Observe for adverse reactions, such as prolonged anesthesia (>20 minutes) or allergic response (severe itching, swelling)
- Assess the patient's comfort level and effectiveness of the medication (reduced pain, improved lubrication)
- Documentation
- Record the medication, dose, route (topical), time of administration, and patient response (pain relief, no adverse effects)
Patient education
- Explanation
- Discuss the purpose (anesthesia, lubrication), action (blocks pain, moisturizes eye), and potential side effects (temporary blurred vision) of the medication
- Provide written and verbal instructions for proper administration (wash hands, gently pull down lower lid, do not touch eye with dropper)
- Demonstration
- Show the patient how to properly administer the eye drops or ointment by demonstrating on themselves or a model
- Have the patient demonstrate the technique back to ensure understanding
- Safety
- Emphasize the importance of hand hygiene before and after administration to prevent infection
- Instruct the patient not to touch the eye with the dropper or tube to avoid contamination of the medication
- Follow-up
- Encourage the patient to report any adverse reactions (severe pain, vision changes) or concerns to their healthcare provider
- Schedule follow-up appointments as needed to monitor the patient's eye health and medication effectiveness (1-2 weeks after starting)
Key Terms to Review (34)
Alcaine: Alcaine is a brand name for proparacaine hydrochloride, a topical anesthetic used in ophthalmology to numb the eye's surface. It provides temporary relief from pain during eye procedures.
Ametop: Ametop is a topical anesthetic gel primarily used to numb the skin before minor medical procedures. It contains tetracaine, which blocks nerve signals in the body, providing temporary pain relief.
Artificial tears: Artificial tears are lubricant eye drops used to relieve dryness and irritation in the eyes. They mimic natural tears to provide moisture and protection.
Artificial Tears: Artificial tears are lubricating eye drops designed to temporarily relieve the symptoms of dry eye disease. They are formulated to mimic the composition of natural tears, providing lubrication and hydration to the eyes.
Blepharitis: Blepharitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the eyelids, causing redness, irritation, and a buildup of debris along the eyelid margins. It is a common eye condition that can impact the effectiveness of ocular anesthetics and lubricants.
Blurred Vision: Blurred vision is a common symptom characterized by the inability to see objects or text clearly, resulting in a loss of visual sharpness and focus. This term is particularly relevant in the context of adrenergics, anticholinergics, urinary antispasmodics, antimuscarinics, and ocular anesthetics and lubricants, as these drug classes can potentially cause or contribute to this visual disturbance.
Carboxymethylcellulose: Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose, commonly used as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in various pharmaceutical and medical applications, including ocular anesthetics and lubricants.
Cataract Removal: Cataract removal is a surgical procedure performed to treat cataracts, which are the clouding of the eye's natural lens. This procedure is often necessary to restore clear vision and improve quality of life for individuals affected by cataracts, which can significantly impact visual acuity and daily activities.
Conjunctiva: The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent membrane that covers the front of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It plays a crucial role in the overall health and function of the eye, particularly in the context of ocular anti-inflammatories, anti-infectives, anesthetics, and lubricants.
Cornea: The cornea is the clear, curved, outermost layer of the eye that acts as the primary refracting surface, focusing light onto the retina. It plays a crucial role in vision by refracting and transmitting light into the eye, protecting the internal structures, and providing a smooth, transparent surface for light to enter the eye.
Corneal Abrasions: Corneal abrasions are superficial injuries to the outermost layer of the eye, the cornea. They are commonly caused by foreign objects, chemical exposure, or trauma to the eye and can result in pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.
Corneal Damage: Corneal damage refers to any injury or impairment to the transparent, outermost layer of the eye known as the cornea. The cornea is responsible for refracting light and protecting the eye, so any damage to this structure can significantly impact vision and eye health.
Dry Eye Syndrome: Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by inadequate tear production or excessive tear evaporation, leading to eye discomfort, inflammation, and potential vision problems. It is a common ocular condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a semisynthetic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose. It is widely used in various pharmaceutical and ophthalmic applications, particularly as an ocular lubricant and anesthetic agent.
Lacri-Lube: Lacri-Lube is an ophthalmic lubricant used to relieve dry, irritated eyes. It provides a protective film over the eye's surface to reduce discomfort.
Lacrimal Glands: Lacrimal glands are exocrine glands located in the upper, outer part of each eye that produce tears. They are responsible for the continuous secretion of tears that help maintain the health and lubrication of the eye's surface.
Lubricants: Lubricants are substances used to reduce friction and wear between surfaces in contact, such as those found in mechanical devices or the human body. In the context of ocular anesthetics and lubricants, lubricants are essential for maintaining eye health and comfort during various medical procedures.
LubriTears: LubriTears is an over-the-counter ophthalmic lubricant used to relieve dryness and irritation of the eyes. It mimics natural tears to provide moisture and prevent further irritation.
Nerve Impulses: Nerve impulses, also known as action potentials, are the electrical signals that travel along the length of a neuron, allowing for communication between different parts of the nervous system. These rapid, transient changes in the electrical potential of the neuron's membrane are crucial for the transmission of information throughout the body, including the processes of ocular anesthesia and the use of ocular lubricants.
Ocu-Caine: Ocu-Caine is a topical ocular anesthetic used to numb the eye's surface during minor procedures. It provides rapid onset of anesthesia for short durations.
Ocular anesthetics: Ocular anesthetics are medications used to temporarily numb the eye's surface to prevent pain during procedures. They are commonly administered as eye drops.
Ocular Anesthetics: Ocular anesthetics are a class of medications used to numb or anesthetize the eye and surrounding tissues, allowing for painless examination, procedures, and surgery. These drugs work by blocking the transmission of pain signals from the eye to the brain, providing local or topical anesthesia to the targeted area.
Ophthalmic Drops: Ophthalmic drops, also known as eye drops, are liquid pharmaceutical preparations that are instilled directly into the eyes to treat various eye conditions. These drops are designed to deliver medication or other therapeutic agents to the ocular tissues, providing localized treatment and relief for the patient.
Ophthalmic Ointments: Ophthalmic ointments are semi-solid preparations designed for application to the eye or the eyelid. They are formulated to provide a sustained release of active ingredients to the targeted ocular tissues, offering prolonged therapeutic effects compared to other ophthalmic dosage forms.
Pontocaine: Pontocaine is a brand name for tetracaine, a local anesthetic used primarily in ophthalmology. It numbs the eye to facilitate procedures like surgery or diagnostic tests.
Proparacaine: Proparacaine is a topical anesthetic used to numb the surface of the eye for procedures or diagnostics. It works by blocking sodium channels, thereby inhibiting nerve impulses.
Slit-Lamp Examination: A slit-lamp examination is a diagnostic procedure used in ophthalmology to thoroughly examine the structures of the eye. It involves the use of a specialized microscope with a narrow, intense beam of light, known as a slit, which allows for a detailed inspection of the eye's anterior segment, including the cornea, iris, lens, and anterior chamber.
Sodium Channels: Sodium channels are specialized protein structures embedded in the cell membrane that allow the selective passage of sodium ions (Na+) across the membrane. These channels play a crucial role in the generation and propagation of electrical impulses in various physiological processes, including the conduction of nerve signals, the contraction of cardiac muscle, and the regulation of intraocular pressure.
Systane: Systane is a brand of over-the-counter artificial tears used to relieve dryness and irritation in the eyes. It provides lubrication to the ocular surface, mimicking natural tears.
Tear Film: The tear film is a thin, protective layer that covers the surface of the eye, providing lubrication, nourishment, and protection for the cornea and conjunctiva. It plays a crucial role in maintaining ocular health and visual function.
Tetracaine: Tetracaine is a local anesthetic commonly used in ophthalmology to numb the surface of the eye. Its fast onset and short duration make it ideal for minor procedures.
Tonometry: Tonometry is the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the fluid pressure within the eye. It is a crucial diagnostic tool used in the assessment and management of various eye conditions, particularly glaucoma.
Topical Eye Medications: Topical eye medications are pharmaceutical products that are applied directly to the surface of the eye, either to the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye) or the cornea (the clear front part of the eye). These medications are used to treat a variety of eye conditions, including inflammation, infection, and dry eye.
White petrolatum/mineral oil: White petrolatum/mineral oil is a common ophthalmic lubricant used to relieve dryness and irritation in the eyes. It forms a protective barrier on the ocular surface, preventing moisture loss.