Proxymetacaine (INN) or proparacaine (USAN) is a topical anesthetic drug of the aminoester group.

Proxymetacaine is a local anesthetic which on topical application penetrates sensory nerve endings in the corneal tissue.

[2] Proxymetacaine is believed to act as an antagonist on voltage-gated sodium channels to affect the permeability of neuronal membranes; how this inhibits pain sensations and the exact mechanism of action of proxymetacaine are, however, unknown.

[3] Proxymetacaine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution (eye drops) is indicated for procedures such as tonometry, gonioscopy, removal of foreign bodies, or other similar procedures requiring topical anesthesia of the cornea and conjunctiva.

Prolonged use of this or any other topical ocular anesthetic may produce permanent corneal opacification with accompanying visual loss.