What is defined as an anesthetic applied to the outer surface of the eye to numb tissue?

Topical anesthesia refers specifically to the administration of anesthetic agents directly onto the outer surface of the eye, which numbs the surface tissue to alleviate discomfort prior to procedures. This method is commonly used in ophthalmic surgeries and examinations, allowing the patient to remain awake while minimizing pain in the targeted area.

General anesthesia involves rendering a patient completely unconscious and is not limited to localized numbness, while local anesthesia typically refers to numbing a specific area through injections or other methods that may extend beyond just the surface. Regional anesthesia, meanwhile, is employed to block sensation in a larger area of the body, often through nerve blocks. Thus, topical anesthesia is the most accurate term for anesthetics applied directly to the eye.