Mechanism of action of Lanatoprost in glaucoma is –
## **Core Concept**
Latanoprost is a medication used in the treatment of glaucoma. It belongs to a class of drugs known as prostaglandin analogs. The primary goal of using latanoprost in glaucoma is to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), which is a major risk factor for the progression of glaucoma.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **. Decrease aqueous humor production and increase uveoscleral outflow**, highlights the mechanism of action of latanoprost. Latanoprost works primarily by increasing the uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humor. It does not significantly affect the production of aqueous humor. By increasing the outflow, latanoprost effectively reduces the intraocular pressure. This action is mediated through a prostaglandin F2Ξ± receptor agonist effect, which leads to the relaxation of the ciliary muscle and increased permeability of the uveoscleral pathway.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** Increase aqueous humor production and decrease uveoscleral outflow - This is the opposite of how latanoprost works. Increasing aqueous humor production and decreasing uveoscleral outflow would increase intraocular pressure, which is undesirable in glaucoma treatment.
- **Option B:** Decrease aqueous humor production and decrease uveoscleral outflow - This option is incorrect because latanoprost primarily increases uveoscleral outflow, not decreases it. Decreasing aqueous humor production could help reduce IOP, but the primary action of latanoprost is on uveoscleral outflow.
- **Option D:** Increase aqueous humor production and increase uveoscleral outflow - This option is incorrect because latanoprost does not increase aqueous humor production; its main effect is on increasing uveoscleral outflow.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that prostaglandin analogs like latanoprost can cause changes in iris pigmentation and eyelash growth. They are usually administered once daily in the evening and can take a few weeks to reach their full effect on lowering intraocular pressure.
## **Correct Answer:** . Decrease aqueous humor production and increase uveoscleral outflow