What is glaucoma?

What is glaucoma?

• A. Retinal detachment
• B. Degeneration of the lens
• C. Infection of the conjunctiva
• D. Elevation of intraocular pressure with loss of visual fields and can lead to blindness

Answer: (D)

Glaucoma is a condition characterized by elevated intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve, leading to progressive loss of visual fields and, if untreated, possible blindness. This description fits because the hallmark is increased pressure inside the eye that injures the optic nerve, with vision loss that often starts in the peripheral field and can become irreversible over time. Often there are no early symptoms, so regular eye exams with pressure measurement and visual field tests are important for detection and treatment. Retinal detachment involves the retina pulling away from the underlying tissue, causing sudden floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like loss of vision—not the gradual optic nerve damage seen in glaucoma. Cataracts are clouding of the lens causing blurred or dim vision, not changes in intraocular pressure or gradual peripheral vision loss. Conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva with redness and discharge, not optic nerve damage or field loss. So the correct description is the elevation of intraocular pressure with loss of visual fields and potential progression to blindness.

Glaucoma is a condition characterized by elevated intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve, leading to progressive loss of visual fields and, if untreated, possible blindness. This description fits because the hallmark is increased pressure inside the eye that injures the optic nerve, with vision loss that often starts in the peripheral field and can become irreversible over time. Often there are no early symptoms, so regular eye exams with pressure measurement and visual field tests are important for detection and treatment.

Retinal detachment involves the retina pulling away from the underlying tissue, causing sudden floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like loss of vision—not the gradual optic nerve damage seen in glaucoma. Cataracts are clouding of the lens causing blurred or dim vision, not changes in intraocular pressure or gradual peripheral vision loss. Conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva with redness and discharge, not optic nerve damage or field loss.

So the correct description is the elevation of intraocular pressure with loss of visual fields and potential progression to blindness.