A comparative study of proxymetacaine-fluorescein and lignocaine-fluorescein use during applanation tonometry

Aims-To evaluate the relative merits of proxymetacaine-fluorescein (PROX-FL U) and lignocaine-fluorescein (LIG-FLU) when used to perform applanation to nometry. Methods-This prospective, masked, double blind study assessed several aspec ts of the tonometry process-the duration of the stinging sensation and degr ee of discomfort, the extent of reflex lacrimation induced, the need for su bsequent tear film manipulation to ensure an accurate tonometry reading, an d total time to complete tonometry-for each preparation. Results-PROX-FLU caused significantly less discomfort and reflex lacrimatio n than LIG-FLU and accurate tonometry was more rapidly completed when it wa s used. PROX-FLU was preferred by 98% of the study patients. Conclusion-PROX-FLU is a well tolerated and useful alternative to the more widely used LIG-FLU mixture.