Fluorescein sodium eye drops: how to take it safely
Fluorets, Fluorescein
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Shows scratches, ulcers and damage on the surface of the eye during an eye examination.
How to take it
- Wash your hands. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid and put one drop in the pocket it makes.
- Close your eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes and press the inner corner of the eye. This keeps the drop in the eye.
- Do not let the tip touch your eye or fingers.
- If you use more than one eye drop, wait 5 minutes between them.
When to take it
Used by an eye health worker during an eye test.
Take it with
Not applicable.
What to avoid
- Wearing soft contact lenses unless the label says it is safe. Take lenses out first and wait 15 minutes.
- Touching the dropper tip to anything.
- Using the bottle for more than 4 weeks after opening.
- Sharing the bottle.
- Wearing contact lenses during the test. It stains soft lenses.
- Rubbing your eyes straight after.
Possible side effects
Temporary yellow-green stain of the tears, skin and sometimes urine. This fades within hours.
Get help if
Rash, swelling of the face, wheezing or severe eye pain: see a doctor straight away.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.