Acetazolamide decreases intraocular pressure by what mechanism: September 2010: (A) Decreases aqueous humor production, (B) Decreases vitreous volume, (C) Increased drainage of aqueous, (D) None of the above
Answer is A. Ans. A: Decreases aqueous humor production Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, which means that it forces the kidneys to excrete bicarbonate (HCO;), thus re-acidifying the blood. It also lowers intraocular tension by decreased formation of aqueous humour (It is rich in bicarbonate)