American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) Practice Exam

What condition refers to dangerously high pressure inside the eye?

1. Cataract

2. Glaucoma

3. Macular degeneration

4. Retinal detachment

The correct answer is: Glaucoma

The condition characterized by dangerously high pressure inside the eye is glaucoma. Glaucoma is primarily associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which can lead to damage of the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. The elevated pressure is often due to an imbalance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor, the fluid within the eye. If not recognized and treated, glaucoma can progress to significant vision impairment and even blindness. Cataract refers to clouding of the lens of the eye, macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina (the macula) leading to loss of central vision, and retinal detachment is a condition where the retina separates from the underlying tissue, which can also impair vision but does not specifically relate to intraocular pressure. Therefore, glaucoma is distinctly identified for involving conditions that raise pressure within the eye, underscoring its importance in ophthalmic practice.