Glaucoma is defined as which of the following?

• A. Inflammation of the optic nerve due to infection
• B. A condition of increased intraocular pressure without optic nerve damage
• C. Progressive loss of central vision due to macular damage
• D. Damage to the optic nerve due to high pressure in the eye. Halos around lights

Answer: (D)

Glaucoma is defined by damage to the optic nerve that is often tied to elevated intraocular pressure, which can lead to progressive vision loss. The option that describes optic nerve damage caused by high pressure in the eye, along with halos around lights, best matches how glaucoma can present in many cases—optic nerve injury resulting from pressure and accompanying visual symptoms. The other descriptions refer to optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve from infection), ocular hypertension (high pressure without nerve damage), and macular degeneration (central vision loss from macular damage), none of which define glaucoma.