In cases of acute central retinal artery occlusion, eye drops can be used to achieve which outcome?

In acute central retinal artery occlusion, the use of eye drops can be aimed at decreasing intraocular pressure. This is important because a reduction in intraocular pressure may help improve the perfusion of the retina by allowing for better blood flow and oxygen delivery to the affected area.

When the central retinal artery is occluded, the lack of blood supply can lead to ischemia and subsequent vision loss. Lowering intraocular pressure may also help in the context of maintaining optic nerve health and preventing further damage. Eye drops that are typically used for this purpose may include agents that either reduce aqueous humor production or increase outflow, thereby decreasing the overall pressure in the eye.

In contrast, increasing intraocular pressure would be counterproductive in this scenario, as it could exacerbate the ischemic condition of the retina. Enhancing pupil dilation or promoting tear production are not directly related to the urgent management of acute retinal artery occlusion and do not address the underlying issue of impaired blood flow.