Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

Which condition results from optic nerve damage due to increased intraocular pressure?

1. Cataracts

2. Glaucoma

3. Macular Degeneration

4. Retinal Detachment

The correct answer is: Glaucoma

The condition that results from optic nerve damage due to increased intraocular pressure is glaucoma. This condition is characterized by a gradual loss of vision which occurs as a result of pressure building up within the eye, leading to damage of the optic nerve. The optic nerve is crucial for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, and when it is compromised by elevated pressure, it can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. Regular eye exams are important for early detection of glaucoma, particularly because it can progress without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment involve different pathological processes and do not directly stem from damage to the optic nerve due to intraocular pressure. Cataracts primarily involve the clouding of the lens of the eye, macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina, and retinal detachment refers to the separation of the retina from its supporting tissue. While these conditions may impact vision, they do not involve the specific mechanism of optic nerve damage related to intraocular pressure that is characteristic of glaucoma.