Floppy iris syndrome is a potential complication associated with which class of medications used for BPH?

Floppy iris syndrome is a potential complication associated with which class of medications used for BPH?

• A. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors
• B. Alpha-1 blockers
• C. Beta blockers
• D. PDE-5 inhibitors

Answer: (B)

Floppy iris syndrome happens when blocking alpha-1 receptors reduces the tone of the iris dilator muscle, making the iris floppy and prone to billowing during cataract surgery. Medications used for BPH that block these receptors—especially selective alpha-1A blockers like tamsulosin—are linked to this risk because they blunt the iris’s ability to dilate properly when pupils are pharmacologically dilated for surgery. While the pupil is enlarged for the procedure, a floppy iris can complicate cataract extraction and increase intraoperative problems. Other BPH drug classes, such as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, beta blockers, or PDE-5 inhibitors, are not typically associated with floppy iris.

Floppy iris syndrome happens when blocking alpha-1 receptors reduces the tone of the iris dilator muscle, making the iris floppy and prone to billowing during cataract surgery. Medications used for BPH that block these receptors—especially selective alpha-1A blockers like tamsulosin—are linked to this risk because they blunt the iris’s ability to dilate properly when pupils are pharmacologically dilated for surgery. While the pupil is enlarged for the procedure, a floppy iris can complicate cataract extraction and increase intraoperative problems. Other BPH drug classes, such as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, beta blockers, or PDE-5 inhibitors, are not typically associated with floppy iris.