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Common anesthetic agents such as proparacaine are typically administered as eye drops because they are designed to provide localized anesthesia to the surface of the eye. Proparacaine is a topical anesthetic that is particularly effective in numbing the cornea and conjunctiva, making it suitable for procedures like tonometry or foreign body removal where quick and focused anesthesia is needed.

The use of eye drops allows for rapid absorption through the corneal epithelium, providing effective anesthesia without the need for injections or systemic absorption. This method minimizes discomfort during ocular examinations or minor surgical procedures while ensuring a swift onset of action.

The other methods, such as oral administration, would not be effective for localized eye procedures due to their systemic nature. Injections can be used in different contexts but are not the standard for administering agents like proparacaine, which are specifically intended for topical application. Subconjunctival injections deliver medication deeper into the eye but are not the usual route for anesthetics intended for surface application.