Which term describes an eye disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure damaging the optic nerve?

Which term describes an eye disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure damaging the optic nerve?

• A. Tension headaches
• B. Dementia
• C. Epilepsy
• D. Glaucoma

Answer: (D)

Glaucoma is the term for an eye disease where higher-than-normal pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss if not treated. The elevated intraocular pressure usually comes from impaired drainage of the eye’s fluid (aqueous humor), which stresses the optic nerve fibers over time. Because the damage often starts without obvious symptoms, regular eye pressure checks are important for early detection. Treatments focus on lowering the pressure to protect the optic nerve, using eye drops, laser therapy, or surgical approaches.

The other terms refer to different health issues: tension headaches involve head pain from muscle tension, dementia is a decline in cognitive function, and epilepsy is a disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. None describe an eye condition caused by increased intraocular pressure damaging the optic nerve.