What condition can an increase in intraocular pressure indicate?

An increase in intraocular pressure is a significant indicator of glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that result in damage to the optic nerve, often associated with high pressure in the eye. Glaucoma can lead to vision loss and is one of the leading causes of blindness, particularly in older adults. The elevated intraocular pressure occurs because the fluid within the eye, known as aqueous humor, is either produced in excess or cannot drain properly, increasing pressure on the optic nerve.

While other conditions like cataracts, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration are serious eye diseases, they are not primarily associated with elevated intraocular pressure. Cataracts involve clouding of the lens and do not directly affect intraocular pressure levels. Retinal detachment refers to the separation of the retina from the back of the eye and can occur due to various factors, but it is not directly linked to intraocular pressure. Macular degeneration affects the central vision due to changes in the retina and is primarily related to aging processes rather than pressure changes.

Understanding the relationship between intraocular pressure and glaucoma is crucial for early detection and management of the disease, making it a key focus in the field of ophthalmology.