ABO NOCE Practice Test

What effect does glaucoma have on the eye?

1. It decreases lens flexibility

2. It increases intraocular pressure

3. It causes inflammation of the cornea

4. It improves peripheral vision

The correct answer is: It increases intraocular pressure

Glaucoma is primarily characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure, which can lead to damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision. This elevated pressure often results from a buildup of fluid within the eye when the drainage system becomes blocked or is unable to function properly. This increased pressure can compromise the health of the optic nerve, ultimately affecting vision. Other complications from uncontrolled glaucoma may include peripheral vision loss and potentially complete blindness if untreated, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and managing intraocular pressure in affected individuals. The other options do not reflect the core issue of glaucoma. While lens flexibility is associated with conditions like presbyopia, it is not directly influenced by glaucoma. Inflating the cornea is not a symptom of this condition, and glaucoma does not have a positive effect on peripheral vision; rather, it can contribute to a loss in that field of vision.