Which statement is NOT true regarding topical anesthetics?

Which statement is NOT true regarding topical anesthetics?

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

Answer: (A)

Topical ocular anesthetics are used as a quick, temporary numbing aid to enable examination or minor procedures, not as a treatment you’d prescribe for ongoing care. They mask pain for a short period, which helps the clinician inspect the cornea or remove a foreign body without forcing the patient to endure unnecessary discomfort. Because of toxicity to the corneal surface with repeated use, they should not be prescribed for home use or long-term relief. That’s why the statement about prescribing a topical anesthetic for a corneal abrasion is not true. The other points describe the true roles: they’re used for short-term relief, they assist in examination, and prolonged use can delay healing.

Topical ocular anesthetics are used as a quick, temporary numbing aid to enable examination or minor procedures, not as a treatment you’d prescribe for ongoing care. They mask pain for a short period, which helps the clinician inspect the cornea or remove a foreign body without forcing the patient to endure unnecessary discomfort. Because of toxicity to the corneal surface with repeated use, they should not be prescribed for home use or long-term relief. That’s why the statement about prescribing a topical anesthetic for a corneal abrasion is not true. The other points describe the true roles: they’re used for short-term relief, they assist in examination, and prolonged use can delay healing.