Which side effect is most commonly associated with the prolonged use of topical anesthetics?

The most commonly associated side effect with prolonged use of topical anesthetics is corneal melt. Topical anesthetics, such as proparacaine or tetracaine, are used to provide temporary pain relief during ocular procedures. However, their prolonged use can lead to toxicity in the corneal epithelium.

Corneal melt, also known as corneal epithelial toxicity or corneal thinning, occurs because topical anesthetics can inhibit the normal healing processes of the corneal tissue. These agents may adversely affect the integrity of the corneal epithelium and lead to an impaired healing response, which results in the cornea becoming fragile and more susceptible to damage. This condition can ultimately progress to corneal perforation if not addressed.

The other options mentioned do not have a known connection with the use of topical anesthetics. For instance, hyperglycemia is more associated with systemic treatments like steroids or other medications, aplastic anemia is a rare bone marrow failure and unrelated to anesthetics, and a myopic shift is typically a result of changes in the eye's refractive status but is not a direct consequence of topical anesthetic use. Therefore, understanding the potential complications of prolonged topical anesthetic use highlights the importance of adhering to guidelines for their application