Vision Science and Optometry

Ophthalmic anesthetics are eye drops, gels, or ointments that contain a local anesthetic and can be administered directly into the eye. Ophthalmic anesthetics block the transmission of pain signals from the nerve endings of the eye to the brain, numbing the eye. Ophthalmic anesthetics are used to numb the eye or eyes before surgery, after injury, or before certain tests or procedures.