What medication is commonly used for symptomatic relief in corneal ulcers?

Atropine is commonly used for symptomatic relief in corneal ulcers due to its ability to dilate the pupil and reduce pain associated with spasm of the ciliary muscle, which can occur when the cornea is inflamed or irritated. This muscle spasm can lead to significant discomfort for the animal, and by dilating the pupil, atropine helps to relax the eye and decrease pain sensitivity. Additionally, it can help to prevent complications such as synechiae, where the iris adheres to the lens or cornea, which can occur as a result of inflammation.

In the management of corneal ulcers, the focus is often on pain relief and preventing further complications. While prednisolone is an anti-inflammatory medication that might be used in certain inflammatory conditions of the eye, its use in the presence of corneal ulcers is often avoided because steroids can impede healing and increase the risk of infection. Fluoroquinolone is an antibiotic that is important for treating bacterial infections but does not provide the symptomatic relief needed for pain associated with ulcers. Carprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), may help with pain and inflammation but is not specifically indicated for the symptomatic relief of corneal ulcers in the same way that atrop