Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide to Ensure Exam Success!

The condition that results from optic nerve damage due to increased intraocular pressure is glaucoma. This disease is characterized by a gradual loss of vision due to the pressure exerted by the fluid within the eye, which can lead to irreversible damage to the optic nerve. As the intraocular pressure rises, it can cause a progressive degeneration of the nerve fibers, leading to a specific type of vision loss often described as peripheral vision loss or tunnel vision.

Understanding glaucoma involves recognizing that it typically progresses silently, meaning individuals might not notice symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. Regular eye examinations are crucial, as they can help identify increased intraocular pressure early on, allowing for timely intervention to manage the condition, often through medications or surgical procedures to reduce pressure.

Other conditions listed, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment, have distinct causes and effects on vision. Cataracts involve clouding of the lens, macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina causing central vision loss, and retinal detachment involves the separation of the retina from its underlying supportive tissue, which can lead to sudden vision loss. Each of these conditions operates through different mechanisms and does not primarily derive from increased intraocular pressure affecting the optic nerve.