Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Proparacaine is a topical anesthetic commonly used in ophthalmology primarily to numb the eye. It works by blocking nerve signals in the area where it is applied, which is essential for various procedures that require the patient to remain comfortable and still. This numbing effect is beneficial during examinations or minor surgical procedures, such as tonometry or foreign body removal, allowing for a pain-free experience for the patient.

The other options represent different therapeutic actions that proparacaine does not perform. While reducing inflammation, dilating the pupil, or treating infections are important in ophthalmologic care, those functions are attributed to other medications rather than proparacaine. Therefore, the central purpose of using proparacaine is specifically aimed at providing local anesthesia to enhance patient comfort during eye-related procedures.