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Visual acuity after topical application of proparacaine
P J Bossart1, R L Stephen, R D Herr
1Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Topical anesthetics, like proparacaine, can improve visual acuity (VA) in patients experiencing eye pain. This study found that many patients showed better vision after receiving this common eye drop treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Emergency Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Eye pain is a common presenting complaint in emergency departments.
- Topical ocular anesthetics are frequently used for symptomatic relief of eye pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of topical anesthetics on visual acuity (VA) in patients with eye pain.
- To quantify changes in VA following the administration of proparacaine.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 66 patients (73 eyes) presenting with eye pain to a university hospital emergency department.
- Visual acuity (VA) was measured before and after the instillation of proparacaine, a topical ocular anesthetic.
Main Results:
- Following proparacaine treatment, 45% of patients (33 eyes) experienced improved visual acuity.
- Visual acuity remained unchanged in 47% of patients (34 eyes).
- A small percentage (8%, 6 eyes) showed a decrease in visual acuity after anesthetic use.
Conclusions:
- Topical anesthetic administration, specifically proparacaine, is often associated with improved visual acuity in patients presenting with eye pain.
- The findings suggest that topical anesthetics can have a beneficial effect on vision for individuals suffering from ocular discomfort.
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