A 70-year-old man with chronic myopia comes to the physician because of a 4-month history of difficulty seeing distant objects, especially at night, despite wearing glasses. Vision testing shows moderate loss of peripheral vision in both eyes. Results of the funduscopic examination are shown in the image below. Other neurologic and cardiopulmonary examination findings are unremarkable. He is started on latanoprost eyedrops. The medication is most likely to improve this patient's condition through which of the following mechanisms?

Question

A 70-year-old man with chronic myopia comes to the physician because of a 4-month history of difficulty seeing distant objects, especially at night, despite wearing glasses. Vision testing shows moderate loss of peripheral vision in both eyes.  Results of the funduscopic examination are shown in the image below.  Other neurologic and cardiopulmonary examination findings are unremarkable.  He is started on latanoprost eyedrops.  The medication is most likely to improve this patient's condition through which of the following mechanisms?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Glaucoma is a form of optic neuropathy characterized by increased intraocular pressure associated with increased production or decreased outflow of aqueous humor. Latanoprost is an analog of prostaglandin, which increases aqueous humor outflow via the uveoscleral pathway, thereby reducing intraocular pressure (IOP). Darkening of the iris, changes in the density, length, and color of eyelashes, and epithelial keratopathy are known side effects of long-term use of this drug.

A 70-Year-Old Man with Chronic Myopia Comes to the Physician