Intraocular pressure is increased by which anesthetic
**Core Concept**
Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a critical parameter in ophthalmology, and various factors, including anesthesia, can influence its levels. The mechanism of IOP increase can be attributed to the effects of anesthetics on the aqueous humor dynamics and the outflow of the eye.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Some anesthetics, particularly succinylcholine, can cause an increase in IOP due to its depolarizing action on the muscles of the iris and ciliary body, leading to contraction and subsequent increase in aqueous humor production. This effect is more pronounced in patients with narrow angles or those with pre-existing glaucoma. The mechanism of IOP increase is closely related to the contraction of the iris sphincter and ciliary muscles, which can cause a blockage of the trabecular meshwork, thereby reducing the outflow of aqueous humor.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not provided, but typically, local anesthetics like lidocaine do not have a significant effect on IOP.
**Option B:** Propofol, a commonly used intravenous anesthetic, actually has a beneficial effect on IOP by reducing aqueous humor production and increasing outflow.
**Option C:** Opioids, such as fentanyl, can cause a mild increase in IOP due to their sympatholytic effects, but this is not as significant as the effect of succinylcholine.
**Option D:** This option is not provided.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to note that patients with glaucoma or narrow angles are more susceptible to anesthetic-induced IOP increases, and close monitoring is necessary in these cases.
**Correct Answer: C. Fentanyl is incorrect, however C was not provided, but based on the information given, the correct option should be related to succinylcholine.