Ophthaine (proparacine Hydrochloride) a Local Anaesthetic for Ophthalmic Surgery.

THERE has long been a need in ophthalmology for a pleasant, non-irritant, safe and effective local analgesic, free from such side-effects as pupil dilatation or cycloplegia. The compounds in common use to-day, such as cocaine 4 per cent. (D.D.A.), affect the pupil and desiccate the cornea, and amethocaine (Pantocain, Pontocaine, Tetracain) and related compound amylocaine (Dorsacaine, Phenolaine) and Benzamine (Eucaine) cause stinging, irritation, blepharospasm, and conjunctival congestion. Novesine (Wander), which has a formula similar to " Ophthaine", has proved excellent for tonometry, but not so successful for tonography or gonioscopy, and also has the disadvantage of stinging on application. Ophthaine underwent extensive trials in the United States in the years 1950-55, and for the past 3 years has been in regular clinical use by several colleagues and myself. During this period not a single case of sensitivity has occurred, and the drug has proved to be the most satisfactory all-round analgesic available.