What specific structure does Glaucoma primarily attack, usually beginning with increased intraocular pressure (IOP)?

Answer

The optic nerve

Glaucoma is characterized by its subtle attack on the optic nerve, which functions as the essential cable transmitting all visual information from the eye structure back to the brain for interpretation. The most frequent form of this condition involves a sustained increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). This elevated pressure exerts continuous stress on the delicate optic nerve fibers over time, causing cumulative damage. This damage often manifests first by impairing peripheral vision, the awareness of movement surrounding a person, which often goes unnoticed until the condition is advanced and much of the nerve structure has been compromised, making early detection via IOP and nerve checks crucial since lost vision is generally irreversible.

What specific structure does Glaucoma primarily attack, usually beginning with increased intraocular pressure (IOP)?

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