Which statement is NOT true regarding topical anesthetics?

Which statement is NOT true regarding topical anesthetics?

• A. It should be used only for short-term relief
• B. A topical anesthetic should be prescribed to a patient with a corneal abrasion
• C. It is used to facilitate examination
• D. Prolonged use may delay healing

Answer: (B)

Topical ocular anesthetics provide rapid, temporary numbness by blocking nerve signals, and they’re useful in the clinic to ease pain and allow a careful examination of the cornea. They should be used only for short-term relief and to facilitate the exam or a brief procedure. Prolonged use is harmful because it can damage the corneal epithelium, delay healing, and increase the risk of keratitis or corneal melt. For a corneal abrasion, they are not something you should prescribe for home use; they’re used in-office as a diagnostic aid, not as ongoing treatment. That’s why the statement about prescribing a topical anesthetic for a corneal abrasion is not true.

Topical ocular anesthetics provide rapid, temporary numbness by blocking nerve signals, and they’re useful in the clinic to ease pain and allow a careful examination of the cornea. They should be used only for short-term relief and to facilitate the exam or a brief procedure. Prolonged use is harmful because it can damage the corneal epithelium, delay healing, and increase the risk of keratitis or corneal melt. For a corneal abrasion, they are not something you should prescribe for home use; they’re used in-office as a diagnostic aid, not as ongoing treatment. That’s why the statement about prescribing a topical anesthetic for a corneal abrasion is not true.