Name two common intraocular pressure-lowering medication classes.

• A. Prostaglandin analogs (e.g., latanoprost) and beta-blockers (e.g., timolol)
• B. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories
• C. Mydriatics and cycloplegics
• D. Cholinergic agonists and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Answer: (A)

Lowering intraocular pressure in glaucoma is typically achieved with two main drug classes that work by different mechanisms. Prostaglandin analogs, such as latanoprost, increase the outflow of aqueous humor through the uveoscleral pathway, giving a strong and convenient once-daily IOP reduction with generally good tolerability. Beta-blockers, like timolol, reduce the production of aqueous humor by the ciliary body, lowering IOP while benefiting patients who tolerate them well, though systemic effects must be considered.

The other options don’t fit as the standard two common classes. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories treat infection or inflammation rather than lowering IOP. Mydriatics and cycloplegics dilate the pupil and can worsen IOP, especially in narrow-angle eyes. While cholinergic agonists and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors do include an IOP-lowering class, cholinergic agents are used less often today as a primary option, so they don’t represent the typical two commonly used classes.