Which type of anesthetic is typically the first line for ocular procedures?

Topical anesthetics are often the first line for ocular procedures due to their ability to provide localized pain relief with minimal complications. These anesthetics are applied directly to the surface of the eye, allowing for a quick onset of action and a decrease in discomfort during procedures such as cataract surgery, foreign body removal, or laser treatments. Because these procedures usually do not require deep sedation or unconsciousness, the use of topical anesthetics is advantageous for both patient comfort and procedural efficiency.

This choice is particularly favored because it allows patients to remain awake and cooperative during less invasive procedures, helping ophthalmologists to assess real-time responses without the side effects that might arise from more invasive anesthetic methods. General anesthetics and regional anesthetics are typically reserved for more extensive or complex surgeries where greater analgesia and sedation are necessary, making them less suitable as a first-line option for common ocular procedures.