What condition is characterized by an opaque lens?

The condition characterized by an opaque lens is cataracts. Cataracts occur when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, which can happen due to aging, trauma, certain medications, or other factors. This clouding leads to a decrease in vision, as light is unable to pass through the lens effectively. Patients often report symptoms such as blurred vision, glare problems, and difficulty seeing at night due to this opacity.

Cataracts are a common condition, particularly in older adults, and they can significantly affect one's quality of life. The treatment for cataracts typically involves surgical procedures to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens.

In contrast, other options such as glaucoma refer to increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve, macular degeneration involves the deterioration of the central portion of the retina called the macula, and retinal detachment is a condition where the retina pulls away from its normal position at the back of the eye. None of these conditions primarily involve the lens becoming opaque as cataracts do.