What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is primarily characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can lead to damage of the optic nerve. This condition often develops gradually and may not produce noticeable symptoms initially, which makes regular eye exams crucial for early detection and management. The increased pressure within the eye occurs due to an imbalance in the production and drainage of aqueous humor, the fluid that maintains intraocular pressure. If left untreated, glaucoma can result in permanent vision loss, underscoring the importance of understanding the underlying mechanism that distinguishes it from other eye conditions.

Other conditions mentioned, such as increased intracranial pressure, sudden vision loss, and clouding of the lens, relate to different diseases or states affecting the eye or the brain and do not accurately capture the essence of glaucoma. This underscores why the correct identification of glaucoma as related to increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage is vital.