Which condition involves increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, causing vision loss?

Which condition involves increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, causing vision loss?

• A. Astigmatism
• B. Glaucoma
• C. Bronchitis
• D. Dermatitis

Answer: (B)

When vision loss is linked to elevated pressure inside the eye, the issue is glaucoma. This condition arises because the drainage of the eye’s aqueous humor is impaired, causing intraocular pressure to rise. That pressure damages the retinal nerve fibers and the optic nerve over time, often starting with peripheral vision loss and potentially progressing to permanent blindness if not treated. Glaucoma can be open-angle or angle-closure and is managed by therapies aimed at lowering the pressure, such as eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery. Astigmatism is a refractive error from an irregular corneal shape causing blurred vision, bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways causing coughing, and dermatitis is skin inflammation.

When vision loss is linked to elevated pressure inside the eye, the issue is glaucoma. This condition arises because the drainage of the eye’s aqueous humor is impaired, causing intraocular pressure to rise. That pressure damages the retinal nerve fibers and the optic nerve over time, often starting with peripheral vision loss and potentially progressing to permanent blindness if not treated. Glaucoma can be open-angle or angle-closure and is managed by therapies aimed at lowering the pressure, such as eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery.

Astigmatism is a refractive error from an irregular corneal shape causing blurred vision, bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways causing coughing, and dermatitis is skin inflammation.