Which condition involves cloudy spots developing in the lens of the eye, leading to vision loss?

• A. Glaucoma
• B. Macular degeneration
• C. Blindness
• D. Cataract

Answer: (D)

Clouding of the lens is the hallmark of cataracts. The lens normally helps focus light onto the retina, but when its proteins clump and it becomes opaque, light is scattered and vision becomes blurry or hazy. This change often develops gradually with age and can be worsened by factors like diabetes, smoking, or extended sun exposure. People may notice colors seeming dull, increased glare (especially at night), or needing brighter light to read. Cataracts are different from glaucoma, which involves damage to the optic nerve from high eye pressure, and from macular degeneration, which affects the retina and central vision. Early on, vision might improve with stronger glasses or better lighting; when cataracts interfere with daily tasks, surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens can restore clear vision. Recognizing and referring for evaluation is important to prevent progression to significant vision loss.