What is the preferred therapeutic use of Tropicamide?

The preferred therapeutic use of Tropicamide is to induce mydriasis, which is the dilation of the pupil. Tropicamide is an anticholinergic agent that works by blocking the action of acetylcholine on the ciliary muscle and the sphincter muscle of the iris. This results in relaxation of these muscles, leading to pupil dilation and enabling better visualization of the interior structures of the eye during examinations, such as fundus examinations and assessing for conditions like cataracts or retinal damage.

Mydriasis induced by Tropicamide is transient, which is beneficial in clinical settings since the pupil returns to its normal size relatively quickly compared to other mydriatic agents. This property of Tropicamide makes it especially useful in ophthalmological practice, where temporary dilation is often necessary without prolonged effects on vision.

The other choices do not align with the primary purpose of Tropicamide: it does not induce miosis as that would require a different action on the pupil; it is not used for reducing intraocular pressure, as other medications are specifically designed for that purpose; and it is not utilized for improving memory in dementia. Therefore, the correct understanding of Tropicamide's mechanism and applications leads to the conclusion that its main function is