Which condition causes clouding of the lens, commonly leading to decreased vision in older adults?

• A. Cataract
• B. Glaucoma
• C. Macular Degenerative Disease
• D. Retinal Detachment

Answer: (A)

Clouding of the lens causing decreased vision in older adults is cataract. As the lens ages, proteins can clump and fibers become opaque, forming opacities that scatter and block light from reaching the retina. This results in blurred vision, glare or halos around lights, and reduced contrast, often progressing gradually and increasingly interfering with daily activities. The usual treatment is surgical removal of the cloudy lens with insertion of an artificial intraocular lens, which significantly improves vision for most people. The other conditions listed affect different parts of the eye—glaucoma involves optic nerve damage from high pressure, macular degeneration targets the central retina (the macula), and retinal detachment involves separation of the retina—so none of them presents as clouding of the lens.