American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Increased intraocular pressure is a hallmark of glaucoma, which arises when the drainage system of the eye becomes impaired, leading to an accumulation of aqueous humor. This increased pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, potentially resulting in vision loss if left untreated. Glaucoma is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making regular eye examinations essential for early detection and management.

In contrast, cataracts relate to the clouding of the lens within the eye and do not involve intraocular pressure. Macular degeneration affects the retina and leads to central vision loss but is not associated with elevated intraocular pressure. Retinal detachment implies the separation of the retina from the underlying tissue and may involve various risk factors, but increased intraocular pressure is not a defining characteristic of this condition. Thus, glaucoma is specifically characterized by the critical factor of increased intraocular pressure, which significantly impacts its diagnosis and treatment.