Open-angle glaucoma mechanism

Open-angle glaucoma mechanism

• A. Gradual obstruction of trabecular outflow leading to elevated intraocular pressure
• B. Pupillary block causing sudden IOP rise
• C. Decreased aqueous production
• D. Retinal detachment

Answer: (A)

Open-angle glaucoma is driven by increased resistance to the outflow of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork, even though the angle between the iris and cornea remains open. This gradual obstruction slows drainage, causing a slow, progressive rise in intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve over time. The other scenarios describe different conditions: a sudden rise in pressure from pupillary block is characteristic of angle-closure glaucoma, not open-angle. Decreased aqueous production would tend to lower pressure rather than raise it. Retinal detachment is unrelated to the mechanism that raises intraocular pressure in glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma is driven by increased resistance to the outflow of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork, even though the angle between the iris and cornea remains open. This gradual obstruction slows drainage, causing a slow, progressive rise in intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve over time. The other scenarios describe different conditions: a sudden rise in pressure from pupillary block is characteristic of angle-closure glaucoma, not open-angle. Decreased aqueous production would tend to lower pressure rather than raise it. Retinal detachment is unrelated to the mechanism that raises intraocular pressure in glaucoma.