Which chronic condition is characterized by increased intraocular pressure?

Glaucoma is the chronic condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure. This elevated pressure can damage the optic nerve over time, leading to vision loss if not managed properly. The increase in intraocular pressure is often due to the fluid in the eye not draining as it should, which can be caused by various factors including genetics, age, and other medical conditions.

In contrast, diabetic retinopathy is primarily a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, cataracts involve clouding of the eye's lens which can affect vision but not directly relate to intraocular pressure, and astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens that affects how light enters the eye, not a condition tied to intraocular pressure. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective diagnosis and management of eye-related health issues.