What condition do Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors treat?

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are primarily used in the treatment of glaucoma due to their ability to reduce intraocular pressure. By inhibiting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, these medications decrease the production of aqueous humor in the eye, which helps to lower the pressure that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. This mechanism is particularly beneficial in managing conditions like open-angle glaucoma.

In contrast, the other conditions listed are not effectively treated with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Diabetes involves issues related to insulin and glucose metabolism, hypertension is generally managed through different classes of medications focused on blood pressure regulation, and asthma treatments typically involve bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications. Thus, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are specifically utilized in the context of glaucoma.