Anaphylactic shock after fluorescein staining corneal abrasion. A case report.

A 34-year-old Lebanese man presented with photophobia, tearing, and reduced vision in the left eye, a few hours after being accidentally hit in the eye with a fingernail. The cornea in the left eye showed corneal defect . About three minutes after receiving topical fluorescein in this eye, the patient developed syncope and anaphylactic shock. After immediate reanimation, the patient regained consciousness. When specifically asked, he reported a three-month history of urticaria to the right side of his neck and nose. The possible pathophysiology involves an underlying IgE-mediated mechanism. Ophthalmologists should be aware of complications associated with topical fluorescein.