Which condition involves increased intraocular pressure causing optic nerve damage?

Which condition involves increased intraocular pressure causing optic nerve damage?

• A. Macular degeneration
• B. Glaucoma
• C. Cataract
• D. Blindness

Answer: (B)

Elevated intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve is glaucoma. When drainage of aqueous humor is impaired, pressure builds up inside the eye and puts strain on the optic nerve as it leaves the eye. This pressure damages the nerve fibers, especially those serving the peripheral visual field, leading to progressive vision loss if not treated. You’d look for signs of elevated pressure with tonometry and inspect the optic disc for changes like cupping, and treatments aim to lower the pressure with eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery. By comparison, macular degeneration affects the central retina, cataracts cloud the lens, and blindness can result from many causes but isn’t defined by increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage.

Elevated intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve is glaucoma. When drainage of aqueous humor is impaired, pressure builds up inside the eye and puts strain on the optic nerve as it leaves the eye. This pressure damages the nerve fibers, especially those serving the peripheral visual field, leading to progressive vision loss if not treated. You’d look for signs of elevated pressure with tonometry and inspect the optic disc for changes like cupping, and treatments aim to lower the pressure with eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery. By comparison, macular degeneration affects the central retina, cataracts cloud the lens, and blindness can result from many causes but isn’t defined by increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage.