AOA Ocular Pharmacology

Question 1

Prostaglandin analogs (e.g., latanoprost) lower intraocular pressure by:

Accepted Answer

Increasing aqueous outflow through the uveoscleral pathway

Answer

Prostaglandin analogs primarily enhance uveoscleral (non-conventional) aqueous outflow by remodeling the ciliary body extracellular matrix, reducing IOP by 25–35%.

Question 2

Topical beta-blockers such as timolol lower IOP by:

Accepted Answer

Decreasing aqueous humor production by the ciliary body

Answer

Beta-blockers block beta-2 adrenoceptors on the ciliary epithelium, reducing cyclic AMP and thereby decreasing aqueous humor secretion by 20–35%.

Question 3

Which topical anesthetic is most commonly used for tonometry in optometric practice?

Accepted Answer

Proparacaine 0.5%

Answer

Proparacaine 0.5% is the most widely used topical ophthalmic anesthetic due to its rapid onset, short duration, and minimal stinging compared to other agents.

Question 4

Atropine 1% eye drops cause cycloplegia and mydriasis by:

Accepted Answer

Blocking muscarinic receptors in the iris sphincter and ciliary body

Answer

Atropine competitively blocks muscarinic (M3) receptors, preventing acetylcholine from stimulating the iris sphincter (causing mydriasis) and ciliary muscle (causing cycloplegia).

Question 5

Fluorescein dye in optometric practice is used primarily for:

Accepted Answer

Applanation tonometry and contact lens fitting evaluation

Answer

Fluorescein sodium is a vital dye that fluoresces yellow-green under cobalt blue illumination, used to assess the tear film, fit RGP lenses, and measure IOP by applanation.

AOA - American Optometric Association Practice Test

AOA - American Optometric Association Practice Test

AOA Ocular Pharmacology