Raj. CHO - 2023
Medical & Surgical Nursing
Easy

Which of the following eye conditions is caused by an increase in intraocular pressure (Intra-ocular pressure)?

Appeared in: Raj. CHO - 2023

Explanation

  • Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP).
  • This elevated pressure damages the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain.
  • The damage is progressive and irreversible, typically causing loss of peripheral (side) vision first.
  • While a normal IOP is 10-21 mmHg, the damage in glaucoma can occur even at pressures within this range for some individuals (normal-tension glaucoma).

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: Cataract is the clouding or opacification of the eye's natural lens. It is not caused by or characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure.
  • Option B: Trachoma is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It leads to inflammation and scarring of the conjunctiva and cornea, but it is not related to intraocular pressure.
  • Option C: Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error. It occurs when the shape of the eye causes light rays to bend (refract) incorrectly, focusing images in front of the retina instead of on the retina. It has no direct relationship with increased intraocular pressure.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
  • Visual 1: Diagram - A cross-section of an eye illustrating the flow of aqueous humor and how its blockage in glaucoma leads to increased pressure on the optic nerve.
  • Visual 2: Comparison Image - Shows the visual field of a person with normal vision versus the tunnel vision characteristic of advanced glaucoma.
  • Visual 3: Diagram - An illustration of a cataract, showing the clouded lens compared to a clear, healthy lens.
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pathophysiology of common eye disorders, specifically the role of intraocular pressure as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, making early detection and management crucial. Nurses play a key role in educating patients about the importance of regular eye exams, especially for high-risk groups (e.g., age over 40, family history, diabetes).
  • Patient education on medication adherence is critical. Many glaucoma treatments involve daily eye drops to lower IOP. Nurses must teach the correct instillation technique (including punctal occlusion) to maximize efficacy and minimize systemic side effects.
  • Nurses must be able to recognize the signs of acute angle-closure glaucoma (sudden severe eye pain, headache, nausea, halos around lights), as it is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent permanent vision loss.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify the core concept in the question stem: 'caused by an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP)'.
  • Systematically evaluate each option based on your knowledge of eye pathologies.
  • Recall or deduce the definition of Glaucoma. You should associate it directly with elevated IOP and optic nerve damage.
  • Consider Cataract. Recall that this is a problem with the lens becoming cloudy, not a pressure issue.
  • Think about Trachoma. Recognize this as an infectious disease, not a pressure-related one.
  • Analyze Myopia. Remember this is a refractive error (a problem with how the eye focuses light), not a disease caused by high pressure.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Pathophysiology of common eye disorders, specifically the role of intraocular pressure.
  • Stem keywords: eye conditions, increase in intraocular pressure, IOP
  • Lead-in keywords: Which

Question ID

QT495g4jSOeftrE9tSyFpy

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