What condition is characterized by increased intraocular pressure?

The condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure is glaucoma. This elevation in pressure can damage the optic nerve, which is essential for vision, potentially leading to vision loss or blindness if left untreated. Glaucoma has various forms, with the most common being open-angle glaucoma, where the drainage of fluid from the eye is impaired, resulting in a gradual increase in pressure. Its early stages often go unnoticed due to lack of symptoms, making routine eye exams vital for early detection.

In contrast, macular degeneration primarily affects central vision and is related to the deterioration of the macula, not intraocular pressure. Myopia, or nearsightedness, refers to the refraction of light leading to difficulty seeing distant objects rather than pressure changes in the eye. Strabismus involves misalignment of the eyes, which does not inherently involve changes in intraocular pressure. Understanding these distinctions helps in identifying glaucoma as the correct condition associated with increased intraocular pressure.