Which of the following is a characteristic of glaucoma?

• A. Cataracts
• B. Intraocular pressure
• C. Corneal edema
• D. Optic nerve translucency

Answer: (B)

Glaucoma involves damage to the optic nerve often related to elevated pressure inside the eye. That pressure inside, called intraocular pressure, is the defining feature clinicians monitor to diagnose and manage the condition. The higher the pressure, the greater the risk of optic nerve damage and vision loss over time, making intraocular pressure the best answer.

Cataracts are clouding of the lens and affect clarity of vision but aren’t what defines glaucoma. Corneal edema is swelling of the cornea and can occur for various reasons, not specifically defining glaucoma. The term optic nerve translucency isn’t a standard, meaningful descriptor for glaucoma.