What is the purpose of using pilocarpine eye drops?

The use of pilocarpine eye drops is primarily to cause pupil constriction, also known as miosis. Pilocarpine is a cholinergic agonist that stimulates the muscarinic receptors in the eye, leading to contraction of the sphincter muscle of the iris. This results in a smaller pupil size, which can be particularly beneficial in conditions such as glaucoma, where reducing the intraocular pressure is a critical component of treatment.

Additionally, by constricting the pupil, pilocarpine can improve drainage of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork, further aiding in the management of glaucoma. This action differentiates it from agents that are used to dilate the pupils or to decrease aqueous humor production, as those would not achieve the same therapeutic effects associated with pilocarpine.

In summary, the primary therapeutic action of pilocarpine eye drops is to induce pupil constriction, which plays a significant role in managing intraocular pressure in certain eye conditions.