What damage occurs in glaucoma?

In glaucoma, the primary damage occurs due to increased intraocular pressure, which leads to pressure on the optic nerve. This pressure can result from an imbalance between the production and drainage of the aqueous humor, the fluid that maintains intraocular pressure. When the pressure builds up, it can compress the optic nerve fibers, causing them to deteriorate over time. This damage can result in peripheral vision loss and, if left untreated, can lead to complete vision loss.

Other factors, such as loss of clarity in vision, high levels of inflammation, or increased eye drainage, may be present in some conditions related to eye health but are not the primary pathological changes associated with glaucoma. Inflammation is not a characteristic feature of glaucoma, nor does increased drainage typically occur; instead, glaucoma is often associated with reduced drainage of the aqueous humor. Thus, the key issue in glaucoma is the damaging pressure exerted on the optic nerve.