NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

How are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors beneficial in glaucoma treatment?

1. They increase blood pressure

2. They reduce aqueous humor production

3. They improve vision clarity

4. They increase intraocular pressure

The correct answer is: They reduce aqueous humor production

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are beneficial in glaucoma treatment because they reduce aqueous humor production. Glaucoma is a condition where there is increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. By reducing the production of aqueous humor, these inhibitors help to decrease intraocular pressure, thus helping to prevent damage to the optic nerve and preserve vision. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the underlying cause of glaucoma, which is increased intraocular pressure. Increasing blood pressure may actually exacerbate the condition, and there is no evidence that carbonic anhydrase inhibitors improve vision clarity. Additionally, increasing intraocular pressure would have a negative impact on glaucoma and would not be considered a beneficial treatment option.