Final answer:
Indirect cholinomimetics like pilocarpine are used to treat glaucoma by contracting the ciliary muscle, which improves the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye, reducing intraocular pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Indirect cholinomimetics are used as glaucoma drugs because of their ability to enhance the actions of acetylcholine in the eye, especially on muscarinic receptors. One such indirect cholinomimetic is pilocarpine, a nonspecific muscarinic agonist. Pilocarpine works by contracting the ciliary muscle, which opens up the trabecular meshwork at the base of the cornea. This action facilitates the outflow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber, thereby reducing the intraocular pressure that characterizes glaucoma. The effectiveness of pilocarpine in reducing intraocular pressure makes it a valuable drug in glaucoma management.