American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) Practice Exam

Glaucoma is a condition specifically characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP). This elevated pressure can lead to damage of the optic nerve, subsequently resulting in vision loss. The increase in IOP is often due to a buildup of aqueous humor, the fluid in the eye, which normally drains through the trabecular meshwork. In the case of open-angle glaucoma, the drainage angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork does not function properly. In angle-closure glaucoma, the angle between the iris and cornea is narrowed, impeding fluid drainage and leading to a rapid rise in pressure.

In contrast, conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva and does not involve an increase in intraocular pressure. Myopia and hyperopia are refractive errors associated with the eye's ability to focus light but do not inherently lead to elevated IOP. Thus, the specific association of glaucoma with increased intraocular pressure firmly establishes it as the correct choice.