Final answer:
Max is likely diagnosed with glaucoma due to increased intraocular pressure, a common condition in individuals over 40 that can damage the optic nerve if not controlled.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a routine eye examination, a 45-year-old individual named Max showed signs of increased pressure within the eye. Max's diagnosis is likely glaucoma, a condition where the circulation of fluid in the eye is blocked, leading to a buildup of intraocular pressure. People over 40 years of age are at the greatest risk for developing glaucoma. It is important to have intraocular pressure tested routinely, as high pressures can damage the optic nerve.
The intraocular pressure is normally in the range of 12.0 to 24.0 mm Hg. A noncontact approach such as a puff of air can help measure the force needed to indent the eye. If excessive intraocular pressures are detected, they can sometimes be controlled effectively.