Final answer:
Floppy iris syndrome is commonly caused by alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists like tamsulosin, which are medications often prescribed for hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drug that causes floppy iris syndrome is typically alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists, also known as alpha blockers. These medications, which are commonly used to treat conditions like hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can lead to iris muscle relaxation to the point that it becomes floppy during eye surgery, notably cataract surgery. An example of an alpha blocker that causes this complication is tamsulosin (Flomax).
Floppy iris syndrome can affect the surgical process and outcomes, as it causes the iris to respond less effectively to mydriatic drugs that are used to dilate the pupil during eye surgery. The syndrome is clinically important to ophthalmologists and patient care because it can increase the risk of complications during eye surgeries. Proper preoperative screening for the usage of alpha blockers can help in planning the surgery to mitigate such risks.