In which disease does abnormal pressure build inside the eye?

• A. Cataract
• B. Glaucoma
• C. Conjunctivitis
• D. Macular degeneration

Answer: (B)

Abnormal pressure inside the eye is a hallmark of glaucoma. The eye maintains its pressure through a balance between producing aqueous humor and draining it. When drainage is blocked or production is excessive, the intraocular pressure rises. That pressure can slowly damage the optic nerve, leading to gradual vision loss if not treated. Cataracts involve clouding of the lens, not pressure changes. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the eye’s surface with redness and discharge, not a pressure issue. Macular degeneration affects the central retina and central vision, not the eye’s pressure. So glaucoma is the disease described by elevated intraocular pressure.