Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (CAIs) are a class of medications that act to lower intraocular pressure and typically come as eye drops (and occasionally as pills for urgent cases).
Mechanism of Action
Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme located in the ciliary body of the eye involved in fluid production. Inhibiting this enzyme significantly reduces the production of intraocular fluid, thereby lowering the pressure.
Side Effects of CAI Drops
The main local side effects are a metallic taste in the mouth after instillation and a brief stinging sensation in the eye. Rarely, since these are sulfa-derivative medications, they may cause an allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to sulfa drugs.