Final answer:
Cyclodialysis is a surgical procedure to treat glaucoma by creating a passage for aqueous humor to exit the eye, lowering intraocular pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked whether cyclodialysis is performed to drain aqueous humor in glaucoma. Cyclodialysis is indeed a surgical procedure used to treat glaucoma, but it functions by creating a fistula between the anterior chamber of the eye and the suprachoroidal space to lower intraocular pressure. Glaucoma is characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure, which can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss. The process involves separating the ciliary body from the sclera, which allows the aqueous humor to exit the eye directly, reducing the pressure within. Although acetazolamide, a drug that inhibits carbonic anhydrase, is also used to reduce aqueous humor production, this medication does not involve direct drainage such as cyclodialysis does.