Which of the following increases intraocular pressure?

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a critical factor in maintaining eye health, and several conditions and factors can lead to an increase in IOP.

Thick corneas can contribute to higher pressure readings during tonometry tests, as these measurements are often influenced by corneal thickness. A thicker cornea can lead to a higher measurement of IOP, which may not accurately reflect true intraocular pressure.

Glaucoma is directly related to increased IOP; it is a group of eye diseases that typically result in damage to the optic nerve, often due to elevated intraocular pressure. Managing IOP is crucial in preventing further damage and preserving vision in individuals with glaucoma.

Steroid use is another significant factor that can raise intraocular pressure. Topical or systemic corticosteroids can lead to a rise in IOP by affecting the drainage of aqueous humor from the eye, thus increasing pressure. This effect is particularly noted in individuals predisposed to elevated pressures or those who may develop glaucoma as a result.

Given that all these factors—thick corneas, glaucoma, and steroid use—have been shown to contribute to increased intraocular pressure, the answer encompasses all of them as potential causes. Thus, selecting “All of the above” accurately reflects