Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

Which disorder causes overproduction of fluid in the eye, resulting in increased pressure?

1. Conjunctivitis

2. Cataracts

3. Glaucoma

4. Macular degeneration

The correct answer is: Glaucoma

The disorder that causes overproduction of fluid in the eye, resulting in increased pressure, is glaucoma. Glaucoma is characterized by a buildup of intraocular pressure due to an imbalance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor, the fluid that fills the front part of the eye. This increased pressure can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss if not treated effectively. In contrast, conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva and does not primarily affect intraocular fluid production or pressure. Cataracts involve clouding of the lens of the eye, impacting vision but not directly causing fluid overproduction or pressure issues. Macular degeneration primarily affects the retina and is associated with vision loss but does not involve an increase in fluid production or intraocular pressure. Therefore, glaucoma is distinctly recognized as the condition linked to fluid overproduction and increased eye pressure.