What drug is commonly used for applanation tonometry?

What drug is commonly used for applanation tonometry?

• A. Proparacaine
• B. Lidocaine
• C. Tetracaine
• D. Benoxinate

Answer: (D)

The commonly used drug for applanation tonometry is benoxinate. This local anesthetic is specifically formulated for ophthalmic procedures to facilitate a pain-free experience during the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP). Applanation tonometry involves the application of a force to flatten a designated area of the cornea, and it requires the use of an anesthetic to minimize discomfort to the patient. Benoxinate is preferred for this procedure because it provides effective anesthesia while being gentle on the ocular surface, which is crucial for accurate measurement and patient comfort. It also has a rapid onset of action and a suitable duration of effect, making it ideal for the brief nature of tonometry. Other anesthetics like proparacaine, lidocaine, and tetracaine may also serve as local anesthetics, but benoxinate is specifically formulated and widely accepted for use in applanation tonometry, distinguishing it as the most commonly utilized choice in this context.

The commonly used drug for applanation tonometry is benoxinate. This local anesthetic is specifically formulated for ophthalmic procedures to facilitate a pain-free experience during the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP). Applanation tonometry involves the application of a force to flatten a designated area of the cornea, and it requires the use of an anesthetic to minimize discomfort to the patient.

Benoxinate is preferred for this procedure because it provides effective anesthesia while being gentle on the ocular surface, which is crucial for accurate measurement and patient comfort. It also has a rapid onset of action and a suitable duration of effect, making it ideal for the brief nature of tonometry.

Other anesthetics like proparacaine, lidocaine, and tetracaine may also serve as local anesthetics, but benoxinate is specifically formulated and widely accepted for use in applanation tonometry, distinguishing it as the most commonly utilized choice in this context.