What is a medical condition where the lens of the eyes becomes progressively opaque?

A cataract is characterized by the progressive opacity of the lens in the eye, which can impede visibility and eventually lead to vision impairment or blindness if left untreated. The lens, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy due to changes in the proteins within it. This condition primarily affects older individuals but can also occur due to genetics, diabetes, prolonged use of corticosteroids, or eye injuries. Understanding cataracts is essential for recognizing the symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment, such as surgical intervention to replace the cloudy lens with an artificial one.

Glaucoma involves increased pressure in the eye that can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss, but it does not cause the lens to become opaque. Conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva, resulting in redness and discharge but does not affect the lens. Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from the underlying tissue and is also unrelated to lens opacity. Thus, recognizing the specific characteristics of cataracts helps differentiate it from these other ocular conditions.