Which medication is used to increase aqueous humor outflow in treating acute angle closure glaucoma?

Pilocarpine is a medication that is effective in increasing aqueous humor outflow, which is particularly important in the treatment of acute angle closure glaucoma. This condition occurs when there is a sudden increase in intraocular pressure due to the blockage of the angle between the iris and cornea, impeding the drainage of aqueous humor.

Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agent that works by inducing miosis, or constriction of the pupil. This action opens up the trabecular meshwork and facilitates the drainage of aqueous humor through the conventional outflow pathway, thereby lowering intraocular pressure. The rapid lowering of eye pressure is crucial in acute situations like angle closure glaucoma to prevent damage to the optic nerve and preserve vision.

While other treatments such as timolol and acetazolamide also play roles in managing glaucoma, they primarily work by reducing the production of aqueous humor rather than enhancing its outflow. Mannitol, on the other hand, is an osmotic agent that helps to reduce intraocular pressure by drawing fluid out of the eye but does not directly increase aqueous outflow in the same way pilocarpine does.