Which eye disease is known to be irreversible but treatable?

Glaucoma is recognized as an irreversible but treatable eye disease. It involves damage to the optic nerve, often caused by increased intraocular pressure. Once the optic nerve has been damaged, the loss of vision that results is permanent, making the condition irreversible. However, treatment options like medications, laser therapy, or surgical interventions can effectively manage the disease by lowering intraocular pressure and preventing or slowing further damage to the optic nerve. Early diagnosis and ongoing treatment are essential to preserve remaining vision.

Retinitis pigmentosa, while also a serious condition, is primarily associated with progressive vision loss that cannot currently be reversed or treated to restore vision. Cataracts, on the other hand, are reversible through surgical intervention, where cloudy lenses can be replaced with artificial ones, effectively restoring vision. Macular degeneration, particularly the age-related form, leads to irreversible loss of central vision without effective treatment options to restore vision, although certain therapies might slow progression.