Which diagnostic finding is associated with acute glaucoma?

In acute glaucoma, one of the hallmark diagnostic findings is increased intraocular pressure. This condition occurs when there is a rapid and severe blockage of aqueous humor outflow from the anterior chamber of the eye, leading to a buildup of fluid and subsequent pressure increase within the eye. The elevated pressure can cause a range of symptoms, including severe ocular pain, headache, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting.

In acute glaucoma, the intraocular pressure can rise to very high levels, often exceeding 30 mmHg, which is significantly above the normal range of 10-21 mmHg. This drastic increase in pressure can result in damage to the optic nerve if not treated promptly, leading to potentially permanent vision loss. Therefore, recognizing increased intraocular pressure is crucial for the diagnosis and management of this serious condition.

The other options, while associated with different ocular conditions, do not characterize acute glaucoma. For example, a decreased cup-to-disc ratio is typically seen in conditions like glaucoma that lead to optic nerve damage over time, but it is not a defining feature of acute glaucoma. Abnormal color vision and corneal abrasions are also related to different types of ocular pathology and represent different clinical scenarios.