Jones & Bartlett Learning (JBL) Module 3 Practice Exam

Clouding of the lenses of the eye is cataracts. The lens normally stays clear to allow light to pass through and focus on the retina. When it becomes cloudy, vision becomes blurred or hazy, and bright lights can cause glare or halos, especially noticeable at night. Cataracts are most commonly linked to aging, but other factors like eye injury, diabetes, certain medicines (such as steroid pills), or extended sun exposure can contribute. This condition is different from glaucoma, which involves increased pressure that can damage the optic nerve; retinitis, which refers to inflammation or degeneration of the retina; and conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the thin membrane covering the eye. Treatment often involves surgical removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial intraocular lens to restore clear vision.