What ocular structure is the primary goal to anesthetize with intracameral anesthesia?

The primary goal of providing intracameral anesthesia is to anesthetize the iris during ocular procedures, particularly cataract surgery. Intracameral anesthesia involves the direct injection of anesthetic agents into the anterior chamber of the eye, where the iris is located. This region is crucial because the surgical work, such as phacoemulsification and manipulation of the lens, often requires the iris to be adequately anesthetized to ensure patient comfort and cooperation while minimizing reflex responses.

By targeting the iris, the anesthesia effectively reduces the sensitivity in this area, allowing for a more straightforward, quicker surgical process without involuntary movements that might complicate the procedure. The safety and effectiveness of intracameral anesthesia have made it a common practice in ophthalmic surgeries. This technique does not typically target the cornea, lens, or sclera directly, as these structures have different sensitivities and roles during surgery.