Dorzolamide ophthalmic is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or high pressure in the eye. It belongs to a class of drugs known as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. It works by reducing the amount of fluid in the eye, which in turn decreases pressure inside the eye.

Drug class and mechanism: many parts of the body, including the eye, contain the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. Carbonic anhydrase plays a key role in controlling the production of fluid particularly within the eye. In turn, the amount of fluid within in the eye determines the pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure). Dorzolamide blocks the enzyme, carbonic anhydrase, and is used as eye drops in the treatment of glaucoma, a condition in which the fluid and pressure in the eye is increased. Following administration of dorzolamide to the eye, intraocular pressure is lowered. This reduces the risk of nerve damage and loss of vision that is caused by increases of intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.

 

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