Topical ropivacaine hydrochloride 0.5% and lidocaine hydrochloride 2% significantly reduce corneal sensitivity without short-term negative side effects in horses.

Ropivacaine and lidocaine similarly decreased corneal sensitivity when applied topically without clinically evident short-term ocular side effects. Lidocaine may be preferable in clinical settings due to its large, multi-use vials and similar effects to ropivacaine.