Dorzolamide is a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used to lower elevated intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It reduces eye pressure by decreasing the formation of aqueous humor in the eye. Dorzolamide is commonly administered as eye drops and is well suited for long-term ophthalmic therapy. The drug was developed to provide an effective local alternative to oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Research into dorzolamide began in the late 1980s during advances in glaucoma pharmacotherapy. It was approved for medical use in the mid-1990s. Dorzolamide became one of the first topical agents in its class. Its development helped reduce systemic side effects associated with oral treatments. Over time, it was also combined with other drugs to improve treatment outcomes. Today, dorzolamide remains a widely used and important medication in glaucoma management.
