Which of the following causes least increase in IOP?
**Core Concept**
Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a critical factor in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. Various factors can influence IOP, including aqueous humor production, outflow, and episcleral venous pressure. The trabecular meshwork plays a key role in aqueous outflow.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Pilocarpine is a muscarinic receptor agonist that increases the outflow of aqueous humor by contracting the ciliary muscle and opening the trabecular meshwork, thereby reducing IOP. This mechanism is in contrast to other options that either increase aqueous production or decrease outflow. Pilocarpine's primary action on the ciliary muscle is mediated through muscarinic receptors, particularly M3 receptors. This results in increased uveoscleral outflow and decreased intraocular pressure.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:**
This option is incorrect because it causes an increase in IOP. Prostaglandin analogs (e.g., latanoprost) increase uveoscleral outflow, but they also decrease the outflow facility through the trabecular meshwork, ultimately leading to an increase in IOP.
**Option B:**
This option is incorrect because it causes an increase in IOP. Brimonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that decreases aqueous humor production and increases uveoscleral outflow, but its primary effect is through reducing aqueous production, which can lead to increased IOP.
**Option C:**
This option is incorrect because it causes an increase in IOP. Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that decreases aqueous humor production, which can lead to increased IOP.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Pilocarpine's effect on IOP is unique due to its ability to increase uveoscleral outflow and decrease trabecular meshwork resistance. This makes it a valuable option for patients with certain types of glaucoma, such as pigmentary glaucoma.
**Correct Answer: C. Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that decreases aqueous humor production, which can lead to increased IOP.**