Which condition is often measured using intraocular pressure?

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a critical measurement in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. This condition is characterized by increased pressure within the eye, which can damage the optic nerve over time and lead to vision loss if not treated. Monitoring IOP helps in assessing the progression of glaucoma and determines the effectiveness of treatments aimed at lowering the pressure.

Patients diagnosed with glaucoma often undergo routine checks of their intraocular pressure as part of their ongoing evaluation. Normal IOP typically ranges from 10 to 21 mm Hg, and readings above this range may indicate a risk for glaucoma or worsening of the condition.

In contrast, while cataracts, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration are significant eye conditions, they are not typically linked to measurements of intraocular pressure. Cataracts involve the clouding of the eye's lens, retinal detachment refers to the separation of the retina from its underlying tissue, and macular degeneration affects the central portion of the retina leading to vision impairment. All these conditions require different diagnostic approaches and do not involve IOP in the same direct manner as glaucoma does.