University of Central Florida (UCF) DEP2004 Developmental Psychology Practice Exam 4

Untreated glaucoma is primarily associated with increased intraocular pressure, which can lead to damage of the optic nerve. This damage often results in progressive loss of vision, typically starting with peripheral vision and potentially advancing to total blindness if the condition remains untreated. The characteristic nature of glaucoma means that by the time noticeable symptoms appear, significant damage may already have occurred, underscoring the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent severe outcomes.

While loss of peripheral vision is often one of the earlier signs of glaucoma, if the disease continues to progress without intervention, it can indeed lead to complete blindness. Therefore, the most concerning and severe outcome of untreated glaucoma is indeed blindness, highlighting its seriousness in the context of eye health.