South Dakota Medication Aide Practice Test

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors play a crucial role in the management of glaucoma by decreasing the production of aqueous humor. In glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure can lead to damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision. The aqueous humor, a fluid produced by the ciliary body, maintains intraocular pressure. By inhibiting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, these medications reduce the bicarbonate production, which in turn decreases the fluid secretion of aqueous humor. This results in lower intraocular pressure, providing therapeutic benefits to patients suffering from glaucoma.

The other options focus on different aspects of eye health and treatment approaches that are not directly influenced by carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. While enhancing drainage of aqueous humor may be a treatment strategy, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors specifically target the reduction of its production, rather than its drainage. The dilation of the pupil is typically influenced by different classes of medications, and improving circulation to the optic nerve is not a direct effect of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors but may be a concern in certain glaucoma treatments. Thus, the primary and effective action of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors is indeed the decrease of aqueous humor production, which is integral to managing glaucoma.