Which condition is defined by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, resulting in peripheral vision loss?

• A. Diabetic retinopathy
• B. Retinopathy of prematurity
• C. Optic neuritis
• D. Glaucoma

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that elevated intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve, leading to peripheral vision loss. Glaucoma fits this pattern because the pressure buildup hurts the nerve fibers that send visual information to the brain, and the earliest field loss is usually in the peripheral vision, gradually progressing if untreated. This explains why someone might notice a narrowing of their side vision or tunnel vision, which greatly affects mobility and safe navigation. Other conditions involve different mechanisms: diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retinal vessels from diabetes, retinopathy of prematurity affects retinal development in premature infants, and optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve often with sudden vision loss and eye pain.