Which condition occurs when the intraocular pressure is too high, affecting both the optic nerve and the images transmitted to the brain?

The condition that occurs when the intraocular pressure is too high, resulting in damage to the optic nerve and affecting the transmission of images to the brain, is glaucoma. This disease is characterized by a gradual loss of vision due to the pressure that can damage the nerve fibers in the retina. Elevated intraocular pressure can impede the normal flow of aqueous humor in the eye, leading to increased pressure inside the eye, which is a primary risk factor for developing glaucoma.

In glaucoma, particularly open-angle glaucoma, the effect on the optic nerve can lead to peripheral vision loss initially, and if untreated, it may progress to total blindness. The link between high intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage underscores the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and management, which can help preserve vision. Other eye conditions, such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, do not primarily involve intraocular pressure elevation or its impact on the optic nerve in the same way, making glaucoma the correct answer in this context.