Final answer:
Glaucoma is the excessive intraocular pressure that can lead to blindness. It occurs when the fluid circulation in the eye is blocked, causing pressure buildup. Glaucoma is the most common cause of blindness in the Western hemisphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
Excessive intraocular pressure, commonly leading to blindness, is called glaucoma. Glaucoma occurs when the circulation of fluid in the eye is blocked, leading to a buildup of pressure. It is the most common cause of blindness in the Western hemisphere. Glaucoma can be detected through measurements of intraocular pressure, which can be reliably measured and sometimes controlled effectively.