What condition is characterized by clouding of the lens in the eye?

Cataracts are characterized by the clouding of the lens in the eye, leading to a decrease in vision. The lens is normally clear and helps to focus light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When cataracts develop, the proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy and impairing vision. This condition can develop gradually and can lead to symptoms such as blurred or dim vision, difficulty with night vision, and sensitivity to light.

In contrast, glaucoma is primarily associated with increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve. Macular degeneration affects the central portion of the retina, leading to loss of central vision, while retinal detachment involves the separation of the retina from the underlying tissue, which can cause sudden vision loss. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics and is not directly related to the clouding of the lens as seen with cataracts.