No Pain, No Gain – Topical Anesthesia-Induced Keratopathy

Background

Topical anesthesia is an indispensable element of modern ophthalmic practice, most valuable during minor procedures and ocular examinations. However, regularly applied and prolonged use of local anesthetics may cause significant ocular damage. The spectrum of adverse effects is heterogeneous, ranging from mild conjunctival injection with superficial punctate keratopathy to persistent corneal epithelial defects, endothelial decompensation, ulcer formation, secondary infectious keratitis, and possible corneal perforation [1], [2]. Hence, timely identification of the underlying cause is essential to initiate targeted therapeutic measures. However, as topical anesthesia-induced keratopathy is a rare entity in Switzerland and its clinical picture may resemble infectious keratitis [3], the ophthalmologistʼs initial diagnosis poses a challenging task. This case report aims to further raise awareness about topical anesthetic abuse keratopathy.

Publication History

Received: 16 October 2022

Accepted: 05 January 2023

Article published online:
25 April 2023

• References

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