Question

What is the purpose of local ophthalmic anesthetic agents in tonometry?

a) To improve vision
b) To induce sleep
c) To numb the eye

Answer 1

Local ophthalmic anesthetic agents are used to numb the eye during tonometry, which measures intraocular pressure, thereby ensuring patient comfort and facilitating accurate readings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of local ophthalmic anesthetic agents in tonometry is to numb the eye. Tonometry is a procedure used to measure the intraocular pressure (IOP), which is vital in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. Local anesthetics are applied topically to the eye to prevent discomfort or pain during this process. By numbing the surface of the eye, the patient experiences no sensation when the tonometer makes contact with the cornea. Hence, local anesthetics ensure the patient's comfort and facilitate an accurate measurement of eye pressure.