Idea Exchange: A tip for applying a fluorescein strip

Placing a fluorescein strip in a pet's eye is often difficult and stressful for the pet, owner, and veterinarian—even after applying a topical anesthetic. An easy trick we've discovered is to fold the strip in half lengthwise, add a drop of proparacaine, gently tip the fluorescein strip downward, and let the drop fall into the eye. This method seems to be less traumatic for everyone.

Dr. Deb LaPaugh

Bend, Ore.