What term describes slow pressure buildup damaging the optic nerve?

What term describes slow pressure buildup damaging the optic nerve?

• A. Open-angle glaucoma
• B. Angle-closure glaucoma
• C. Cataract
• D. Macular degeneration

Answer: (A)

Slow, gradual increases in intraocular pressure that damage the optic nerve describe open-angle glaucoma. In this condition, the eye’s drainage channels work more slowly than normal, causing pressure to build up over time. Because the process is usually painless, vision loss starts with the outer (peripheral) field and slowly progresses if not treated. It’s different from angle-closure glaucoma, which presents suddenly with eye pain, red eye, and often headache due to a quick spike in pressure. Cataracts blur vision because the lens becomes cloudy, not because of optic nerve damage from pressure. Macular degeneration affects central vision and the retina’s macula, not the optic nerve from pressure buildup. Regular eye exams are important in older adults to detect open-angle glaucoma early, when lowering eye pressure can preserve vision through drops, laser therapy, or surgery.

Slow, gradual increases in intraocular pressure that damage the optic nerve describe open-angle glaucoma. In this condition, the eye’s drainage channels work more slowly than normal, causing pressure to build up over time. Because the process is usually painless, vision loss starts with the outer (peripheral) field and slowly progresses if not treated. It’s different from angle-closure glaucoma, which presents suddenly with eye pain, red eye, and often headache due to a quick spike in pressure. Cataracts blur vision because the lens becomes cloudy, not because of optic nerve damage from pressure. Macular degeneration affects central vision and the retina’s macula, not the optic nerve from pressure buildup. Regular eye exams are important in older adults to detect open-angle glaucoma early, when lowering eye pressure can preserve vision through drops, laser therapy, or surgery.