Purpose.To compare the topical effects of tetracaine, lidocaine, and bupivacaine on corneal sensitivity in normal eyes.Methods.Corneal touch sensitivity was measured with a Cochet-Bonnet anesthesiometer before and at 2.5-minute intervals after instillation of the anesthetic agent, until baseline levels had been reestablished. Seventeen healthy volunteers were randomized into five groups. Group 1 included 0.5% tetracaine (n= 6); group 2, 4% lidocaine (n= 8); group 3, 0.75% bupivacaine (n= 8); group 4, 0.5% tetracaine + 4% lidocaine (n= 5); and group 5, 0.5% tetracaine + 0.75% bupivacaine (n= 7).Results.The duration of anesthesia showed no differences between groups 1, 3, and 5. Although there was no difference between groups 2 and 4, both groups demonstrated significantly longer effects than groups 1, 3, and 5 (p< 0.005).Conclusion.The application of 4% lidocaine results in a significantly prolonged topical anesthetic effect when compared with tetracaine and bupivacaine.