Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
In children we cannot test for glasses and check the health of the eye as we would in an adult. It is therefore necessary to use eye drops to dilate the pupil so we can get a clear view to the back of the eye.
Tell the department staff if your child has had a reaction to any eye drop or ointment in the past.
Instilling the eye drops
You will be given a box containing two small bottles of eye drops. These drops should be instilled in both eyes 1 hour before the next appointment and then again 10 minutes later.
The easiest way to instill the drops is to get the child to lie down, close their eyes gently, put a big drop in the inside corner of both eyes and then get your child to blink.
Alternatively, the child can be lying down with the head supported by the adult’s arm and the face towards the ceiling. A second adult should stand behind the child, pull down the lower lid and squeeze in one drop. It is quite safe to repeat this if you are not sure if the drop went in. Try not to let the dropper touch the eye or skin.
The drops may sting when they are put in, but this only lasts for a few seconds. You may want to tell your child that the drops feel ‘a bit cold’, or ‘like when shampoo goes into your eyes’.
If you are given drops, it's very important you use them. Failure to do so may mean we need to reschedule your appointment when you arrive.
The effect of the drops
- Pupil (The black part of the eye) will appear to enlarge.
- Your child may comment that things look blurred especially for near vision.
- The eyes may be very sensitive to light. Sunglasses or a hat may be needed in bright weather.
- These effects may last for up to 24 hours but are always temporary and produce no permanent side effects.
Storage and disposal
- Keep the drops out of the reach of children and in the same way as you would store any medicine.
- The drops should only be used with the child undergoing the eye examination, never any other person.
- All unused drops should be squeezed into the lavatory, flushed away and the plastic bottle disposed of.
If you have any further questions about the use of these eye drops, please do not hesitate to contact the Orthoptic Team by calling and leaving a message on 0300 613 4253
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ophthalmology service.
About this information
Service:
Ophthalmology
Reference:
QQ/013
Approval date:
2 August 2024
Review date:
1 July 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.