Certified Paraoptometric Practice Test

Which eye condition is characterized by clouding of the lens?

1. Glaucoma

2. Macular degeneration

3. Cataract

4. Retinal detachment

The correct answer is: Cataract

Cataracts are characterized by the clouding of the lens in the eye. This clouding occurs when the proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together, leading to a decrease in vision clarity. The lens, which is normally transparent, becomes opaque, resulting in blurry or dim vision and difficulty seeing at night. Cataracts can develop due to various factors including aging, prolonged exposure to UV light, certain medications, and medical conditions like diabetes. In contrast, glaucoma involves damage to the optic nerve often associated with elevated intraocular pressure, but it does not involve clouding of the lens. Macular degeneration is primarily a deterioration of the central portion of the retina, affecting sharp, central vision rather than the lens. Retinal detachment refers to the separation of the retina from its underlying supportive tissue, which also does not involve the lens. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why cataracts are the key condition identified in this question.