Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Which adrenergic agonist is used for temporary intraocular pressure control following Nd: YAG capsulotomy?

1. Timolol

2. Apraclonidine hydrochloride

3. Phenylephrine

4. Brimonidine

The correct answer is: Apraclonidine hydrochloride

Apraclonidine hydrochloride is utilized for temporary intraocular pressure control following Nd:YAG capsulotomy due to its specific mechanism of action and pharmacological properties. This medication is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that reduces aqueous humor production and enhances uveoscleral outflow, effectively lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). Following procedures like Nd:YAG capsulotomy, patients may experience a transient increase in IOP due to inflammatory responses or other factors triggered by the surgery. Apraclonidine is particularly beneficial in this context because it acts quickly to mitigate these pressure spikes. While other options like Timolol and Brimonidine are also used in the management of IOP, they have different primary roles or durations of action that may not provide the same immediate, short-term efficacy as Apraclonidine right after a surgical procedure. Timolol is a non-selective beta-blocker primarily used for chronic glaucoma management, while Brimonidine, although effective, may take longer to exert its full effect compared to Apraclonidine. Phenylephrine, primarily a vasoconstrictor used to dilate pupils, does not play a direct role in IOP control in this specific situation. In summary, Aprac