What happens if glaucoma is left untreated?

If glaucoma is left untreated, it can lead to permanent blindness. Glaucoma is often associated with increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve over time. The optic nerve is crucial for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. As the pressure builds, it can cause progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve fibers, resulting in a loss of vision. This vision loss typically begins with peripheral vision and, if the disease continues to progress without intervention, can ultimately lead to complete blindness in severe cases.

While other options mention aspects of eye health, they do not accurately reflect the serious consequences of untreated glaucoma. Vision does not improve if glaucoma is present; instead, the condition worsens over time. While some individuals might eventually need contacts, this is not a direct result of untreated glaucoma but rather a separate vision correction issue that does not prevent blindness. Eye strain may occur for various reasons, but it is not a definitive outcome of untreated glaucoma nor is it the primary concern when the disease progresses. Thus, the most accurate consequence of untreated glaucoma is the risk of permanent blindness.