Certified Paraoptometric Practice Test

Which of the following is a common treatment for glaucoma?

1. Use of antibiotics

2. Topical corticosteroids

3. Prescription eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure

4. Surgical removal of the lens

The correct answer is: Prescription eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure

Glaucoma is a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) that can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss. One of the most common and effective treatments for managing glaucoma involves the use of prescription eye drops that are specifically designed to reduce IOP. These medications often work by either decreasing the production of aqueous humor (the fluid in the eye) or increasing the drainage of this fluid, thus helping to maintain normal pressure levels within the eye. The use of antibiotics and topical corticosteroids are not standard treatments for glaucoma. Antibiotics primarily target bacterial infections and do not affect IOP, while corticosteroids may actually elevate intraocular pressure, making them unsuitable for patients with glaucoma. Surgical removal of the lens, also known as lens extraction, is not a treatment for glaucoma itself but may be indicated for conditions like cataracts. Therefore, the use of prescription eye drops to manage intraocular pressure is the most relevant and widely accepted therapeutic approach for treating glaucoma.