What ocular feature can indicate glaucoma during an eye examination?

Increased intraocular pressure is a significant ocular feature that can indicate glaucoma during an eye examination because glaucoma is primarily associated with elevated pressure within the eye. The intraocular pressure (IOP) is a measurement of the fluid pressure inside the eye, and persistently high levels can lead to damage of the optic nerve, which may result in vision loss. A key aspect of glaucoma diagnosis involves checking the IOP, as many patients with the condition exhibit elevated levels.

Other features such as decreased visual acuity, redness of the conjunctiva, and corneal clouding may signal other eye conditions but are not specific indicators of glaucoma. Decreased visual acuity can happen for various reasons, redness of conjunctiva is often associated with infections or allergies, and corneal clouding can indicate diseases affecting the cornea; however, none of these are definitive indicators of glaucoma. Conversely, monitoring and managing intraocular pressure is crucial for glaucoma detection and management.