Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) is an eye drop used by eye care professionals to temporarily numb the surface of your eye for examinations and minor procedures.
| Drug class | Topical Anaesthetic |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Eye Drop |
| Common strength | 0.4% |
| Common Indian brands | Novesine (multiple generics) |
| Prescription status | Prescription (clinic use only) |
What Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) is used for
Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) is a topical anaesthetic eye drop used in a hospital or clinic setting. It is specifically used to provide temporary numbness to the surface of your eye (the cornea) before certain eye examinations or minor procedures. This helps to make these procedures more comfortable and painless for you.
- Ocular surface anaesthesia for examination
- Ocular surface anaesthesia for minor procedures
How it works
Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) works by numbing the corneal surface of your eye. When applied, it temporarily blocks nerve signals in the cornea, preventing you from feeling pain or discomfort during an eye examination or a minor procedure. This effect is temporary and wears off after a short period.
How it’s used
Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) eye drops are administered by an eye care professional in a clinic or hospital setting. You will typically receive 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) just before the examination or procedure. It is crucial to remember that this medicine is for clinic use only and will never be given to you to take home for self-administration.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Novesine (multiple generics)
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Important safety warning
CLINIC USE ONLY. This numbing drop must NEVER be taken home or used repeatedly. Repeated self-use dissolves the surface of the cornea and can cause permanent scarring and blindness. It is used only by eye-care staff during an examination or procedure.
Precautions & side effects
Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) is a powerful numbing agent and comes with critical precautions that must be strictly followed:
- Clinic Use Only: This eye drop is exclusively for use by eye care professionals in a hospital or clinic. It must NEVER be taken home or used repeatedly by yourself.
- Risk of Corneal Damage: Repeated self-use of numbing drops like Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) can dissolve the surface of the cornea. This can lead to permanent scarring and even blindness. Your eye care team is trained to use it safely and appropriately.
- Prescription Only: This medicine is a prescription-only drug and is only administered under the direct supervision of an ophthalmologist or trained eye care staff.
Always follow the instructions and advice of your eye care professional. If you have any concerns or questions during your visit, please do not hesitate to ask them.
Understanding Eye Examinations and Minor Procedures
At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we are committed to providing you with the best eye care. Regular eye examinations are vital for maintaining good vision and detecting potential eye conditions early. During these examinations, your eye doctor might need to perform certain tests or minor procedures that involve touching the surface of your eye. These could include measuring your eye pressure (tonometry), removing a foreign body from the eye, or examining the back of your eye with special instruments. While these procedures are generally safe, they can sometimes cause mild discomfort or a sensation of pressure. This is where numbing eye drops like Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) play a crucial role. By temporarily numbing the surface of your eye, these drops ensure that you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the examination or procedure, allowing your doctor to perform their work effectively and accurately. We understand that visiting an eye doctor can sometimes be daunting, but rest assured, our team is here to make your experience as comfortable and reassuring as possible. We will always explain each step of your examination or procedure and address any concerns you may have.
General Advice for Eye Drop Administration (When Applicable)
While Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) is administered by our staff, it’s helpful to understand the general principles of using eye drops, as you may be prescribed other eye drops for home use. Proper administration ensures the medicine works effectively and prevents contamination. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling eye drops. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper directly over your eye, being careful not to touch your eye or eyelashes with the tip of the bottle, as this can introduce germs into the medicine. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pocket. Close your eye gently for a minute or two, without squeezing or blinking excessively, to allow the medicine to absorb. If you need to use more than one drop, wait a few minutes between drops. If you are using different types of eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between each type to prevent one drop from washing out the other. Always replace the cap tightly after use. Remember, these are general guidelines, and your doctor or pharmacist will provide specific instructions for any eye drops prescribed for home use.
Maintaining Eye Hygiene and When to Seek Help
Good eye hygiene is fundamental for preventing infections and maintaining overall eye health. Always avoid touching or rubbing your eyes unnecessarily, especially with unwashed hands. If you wear contact lenses, ensure you follow strict hygiene practices for cleaning and storing them, and never sleep with them unless specifically advised by your eye doctor. Always use fresh, clean tissues to wipe away any discharge from your eyes, wiping from the inner corner outwards. Store all eye medicines, including any prescribed for home use, as directed by your doctor or pharmacist, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Never use eye drops that have expired or appear discoloured or cloudy. It’s important to know when to seek professional medical help for your eyes. If you experience sudden changes in vision, severe eye pain, persistent redness, discharge, sensitivity to light, or any injury to your eye, do not delay in contacting Pristine Eye Hospitals or your nearest eye care professional immediately. Early intervention can often prevent more serious complications. Regular follow-up appointments with your eye doctor are also crucial, especially if you have a pre-existing eye condition or are at risk for one. Your eye health is our priority, and we are always here to support you.
Frequently asked questions
What is Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) used for?
Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) is an eye drop used by eye care professionals to temporarily numb the surface of your eye. This is done to make eye examinations and minor procedures more comfortable and painless for you.
How does Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) work?
This medicine works by numbing the corneal surface of your eye. It temporarily blocks the nerve signals in the cornea, which is the clear front part of your eye, so you don't feel pain or discomfort during an examination or procedure.
What are the common brands of Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) available in India?
In India, Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) is available under the brand name Novesine, as well as multiple generic versions.
How is Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) administered?
Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) eye drops are always administered by an eye care professional in a clinic or hospital. Typically, 1 to 2 drops are put into the eye just before the procedure or examination. It is never given to patients to take home for self-use.
Do I need a prescription for Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate)?
Yes, Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate) is a prescription-only medicine and is strictly for clinic use only. It is administered by trained eye care staff under the direct supervision of an ophthalmologist.
What are the key precautions I should know about Oxybuprocaine (Benoxinate)?
The most critical precaution is that this numbing drop must NEVER be taken home or used repeatedly by yourself. Repeated self-use can dissolve the surface of the cornea, leading to permanent scarring and even blindness. It is only safe when used by eye care staff during an examination or procedure.
References
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
- StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.