What condition is characterized by clouding of the lens that affects vision?

Cataracts are a condition characterized by the clouding of the lens of the eye, which leads to a decline in vision quality. The lens, which is normally clear, becomes opaque, causing blurry or hazy vision. As the cataract progresses, it can result in increased sensitivity to glare, difficulty seeing at night, and faded colors. Typically, this condition develops slowly and can be related to aging, but other factors such as diabetes, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and certain medications can also contribute to its development.

In contrast, glaucoma involves damage to the optic nerve often due to elevated intraocular pressure and primarily affects peripheral vision. Retinitis refers to inflammation of the retina and can lead to problems such as loss of peripheral or central vision, depending on the type. Macular degeneration, particularly age-related macular degeneration, affects the macula, leading to the loss of central vision, but does not cause clouding of the lens. Therefore, cataract is the condition specifically linked to lens clouding.