Which medical condition is characterized by increased intraocular pressure damaging the optic nerve?

The medical condition that is characterized by increased intraocular pressure damaging the optic nerve is glaucoma. This condition occurs when the fluid pressure inside the eye rises to a level that can damage the optic nerve, which is crucial for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain.

In glaucoma, the optic nerve’s ability to function properly deteriorates, potentially leading to vision loss and blindness if left untreated. It is often associated with specific risk factors such as age, family history, and certain medical conditions, making regular eye examinations critical for early detection.

Cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment, while all serious eye conditions, do not primarily involve increased intraocular pressure or damage to the optic nerve in the same manner as glaucoma does. Cataracts involve clouding of the eye's lens, macular degeneration affects the central portion of the retina leading to vision loss, and retinal detachment involves the separation of the retina from its underlying supportive tissue. Understanding these distinctions is essential for recognizing the unique characteristics and implications of glaucoma in the context of ocular health.