The Leading Cause of Permanent Blindness in the Elderly Is

Question

The leading cause of permanent blindness in the elderly is
A) cataract
B) glaucoma
C) macular degeneration
D) retinal detachment

Accepted Answer

Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the central part of the retina, known as the macula, which is responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It is the leading cause of permanent visual impairment and blindness among people aged 65 years and older in the United States. While cataracts can cause vision loss, they are treatable with surgery, unlike macular degeneration. Glaucoma and retinal detachment can also cause vision loss, but they are not as common as macular degeneration in the elderly population.