Which mechanism best describes the cause of glaucoma?

Which mechanism best describes the cause of glaucoma?

• A. Decreased intraocular pressure
• B. Optic nerve compression caused by increased intraocular pressure
• C. Ruptured retina due to trauma
• D. Degeneration of the optic nerve from aging

Answer: (B)

Glaucoma causes vision loss through optic nerve damage driven by high intraocular pressure. When the drainage of aqueous humor is impaired, pressure inside the eye rises. That sustained elevation mechanically compresses the fibers at the optic nerve head and reduces blood flow, leading to retinal ganglion cell death and an evolving optic neuropathy. The result is gradual loss of peripheral vision that can progress to blindness if not treated. The other scenarios don’t fit because lowering pressure wouldn’t cause this damage, a ruptured retina describes retinal detachment, and aging-related degeneration is a broader, non-specific process not defined by pressure-induced optic nerve injury.

Glaucoma causes vision loss through optic nerve damage driven by high intraocular pressure. When the drainage of aqueous humor is impaired, pressure inside the eye rises. That sustained elevation mechanically compresses the fibers at the optic nerve head and reduces blood flow, leading to retinal ganglion cell death and an evolving optic neuropathy. The result is gradual loss of peripheral vision that can progress to blindness if not treated. The other scenarios don’t fit because lowering pressure wouldn’t cause this damage, a ruptured retina describes retinal detachment, and aging-related degeneration is a broader, non-specific process not defined by pressure-induced optic nerve injury.