Which drug is utilized for applanation tonometry?

Applanation tonometry is a common method used to measure intraocular pressure in the eye, and it often requires the use of a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Proparacaine is the drug most commonly utilized for this purpose. It is a fast-acting local anesthetic that effectively numbs the surface of the eye, allowing for a more comfortable experience during the pressure measurement.

Proparacaine's properties make it particularly suitable for applanation tonometry since it can provide rapid onset anesthesia with a relatively short duration, which aligns well with the brief nature of the procedure. This effectiveness in numbing the cornea specifically for eye examination distinguishes it as a preferred choice.

Other options like tetracaine, lidocaine, and benoxinate are also local anesthetics but may not be as widely used in the context of applanation tonometry as proparacaine. Each of these alternatives has its own unique characteristics, but proparacaine is recognized for its balance of rapid effect and safety profile during eye procedures.