Which drop is used for applanation tonometry and stains corneal or conjunctival defects?

Which drop is used for applanation tonometry and stains corneal or conjunctival defects?

• A. Benoxinate + Fluorescein
• B. Proparacaine + Fluorescein
• C. Tetracaine + Fluorescein
• D. Lidocaine + Fluorescein

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that applanation tonometry relies on a fluorescein-stained corneal surface to visualize the tear film and mires, while also minimizing patient discomfort so the eye stays steady. A single drop that provides both anesthesia and fluorescein staining fits this need perfectly, streamlining the procedure. Benoxinate is a short-acting corneal anesthetic, and when combined with fluorescein in a single drop (a formulary like Fluress), it both numbs the eye and stains the corneal/conjunctival surface. This makes it ideal for applanation tonometry because the clinician can quickly obtain clear mires under blue light and the patient experiences less distress. The other options pair anesthetics with fluorescein but are not standard single drops used specifically for tonometry and surface staining. They typically involve applying anesthetic and fluorescein separately or use anesthetics that are not as commonly preferred for this diagnostic step.

The key idea is that applanation tonometry relies on a fluorescein-stained corneal surface to visualize the tear film and mires, while also minimizing patient discomfort so the eye stays steady. A single drop that provides both anesthesia and fluorescein staining fits this need perfectly, streamlining the procedure.

Benoxinate is a short-acting corneal anesthetic, and when combined with fluorescein in a single drop (a formulary like Fluress), it both numbs the eye and stains the corneal/conjunctival surface. This makes it ideal for applanation tonometry because the clinician can quickly obtain clear mires under blue light and the patient experiences less distress.

The other options pair anesthetics with fluorescein but are not standard single drops used specifically for tonometry and surface staining. They typically involve applying anesthetic and fluorescein separately or use anesthetics that are not as commonly preferred for this diagnostic step.