Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What is the primary therapeutic effect of cholinergic agents in ocular treatments?

1. Stimulate tear production

2. Decrease pupil size

3. Increase aqueous humor outflow

4. Reduce intraocular pressure

The correct answer is: Increase aqueous humor outflow

Cholinergic agents are primarily used in ocular treatments to increase aqueous humor outflow, which is a crucial factor in managing conditions like glaucoma. These agents work by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to the contraction of the ciliary muscle. This contraction facilitates the widening of the trabecular meshwork, allowing for an increase in the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye. As a result, this process helps reduce intraocular pressure, which is essential in preventing damage to the optic nerve associated with glaucoma. While cholinergic agents may have some secondary effects, such as stimulating tear production or decreasing pupil size, their primary therapeutic benefit in ocular health is linked to enhancing aqueous humor drainage and managing intraocular pressure effectively. In summary, the role cholinergic agents play in promoting aqueous humor outflow is central to their use in ocular treatments.