In ophthalmology, topical anesthetics are primarily used for which purpose?

Topical anesthetics in ophthalmology are primarily used to prevent discomfort during procedures. They work by numbing the surface of the eye, which is essential when performing various diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as tonometry, gonioscopy, or foreign body removal. By applying these anesthetics, patients experience reduced pain and discomfort, which allows for better cooperation during examinations and treatments.

While correcting vision, enhancing visual acuity, and reducing inflammation are important aspects of ophthalmic care, these are not the primary function of topical anesthetics. Instead, other interventions such as corrective lenses or anti-inflammatory medications serve these purposes. Thus, the main role of topical anesthetics is to ensure that patients are comfortable and free from pain during eye procedures, making their use vital in routine ophthalmic practice.