Question

A drug used in a patient with increased IOP and optic disc changes, ciliary congestion for decrease IOP acts by increasing uveoscleral outflow is

• A. Latanoprost
• B. Pilocarpine
• C. Dorzolamide
• D. Timolol

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the context of treating increased intraocular pressure (IOP) with optic disc changes and ciliary congestion, different classes of medications are used to manage and reduce IOP effectively. Among these, specific medications work through various mechanisms to achieve this.

The goal in this scenario is to determine which medication facilitates a decrease in IOP by enhancing the uveoscleral outflow—a pathway responsible for draining aqueous humor from the eye.

To solve this, let's evaluate the mechanism of action of each provided option:

• Latanoprost: This is a prostaglandin analog, primarily known for its role in increasing uveoscleral outflow. It leads to the remodeling of the outflow pathways, thus effectively reducing IOP.
• Pilocarpine: Pilocarpine is a miotic agent that works by contracting the ciliary muscle, opening the trabecular meshwork, and increasing conventional outflow rather than uveoscleral outflow.
• Dorzolamide: This medication is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that reduces aqueous humor production, consequently lowering IOP through reduced fluid formation, not by increasing outflow.
• Timolol: Timolol is a beta-blocker that decreases aqueous humor production, thereby reducing intraocular pressure without directly affecting the outflow routes.

Given the mechanism of increasing uveoscleral outflow, Latanoprost is the correct medication as it specifically enhances this pathway, making it the appropriate choice for the treatment described.