After an annual eye examination, Devan was informed that his intraocular pressure was slightly elevated (at 22 mm Hg). The physician expressed concern over this condition and noted that if the condition got worse, eye drops would be merited.

a. What causes intraocular pressure to increase?

b. What condition can elevated intraocular pressure lead to?

c. What are the possible consequences of this condition?

d. Explain the function of eye drops used for therapy.

A) Reason for intraocular pressure to increase

Intraocular pressure increases due to blockage in the outflow tract of the aqueous humor (trabecular meshwork). The movement of fluid is regulated by the pressure change.

B) elevated intraocular pressure lead to:

The elevated intraocular pressure leads to damage to the optic nerve. This happens in glaucoma, in which damage in optic nerve can be seen, which can also cause vision loss.

C) possible consequences of this condition

Damage to the optic nerve will lead to blindness. This is also related to glaucoma, in which the fluid pressure increase and leads to damage in optic nerve.

D) The function of eye drops used for therapy.

The eye drops will cause constriction of the dilator pupillae, leading to increased outflow of the aqueous humour. The drop may also inhibit the carbonic anhydrase enzyme leading to decreased formation of the aqueous humour.