What is the most common cause of vision loss in individuals over 40?

Cataracts are indeed the most common cause of vision loss in individuals over 40. They occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, and sensitivity to glare. This condition is particularly prevalent with aging as the natural proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together, causing opacity.

Cataracts develop gradually and can significantly impair daily activities, hence understanding them is crucial for timely assessment and treatment. Routine eye examinations can help detect cataracts early, allowing for interventions such as corrective lenses or even surgical options if necessary.

While other conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration also affect vision in older adults, they tend to be less common than cataracts. Glaucoma typically affects peripheral vision first, often without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Diabetic retinopathy results from diabetes and can be prevented with proper management of blood sugar levels. Macular degeneration, which affects central vision, is a leading cause of vision loss but has a lower overall incidence compared to cataracts. Understanding the prevalence and impact of cataracts highlights the importance of eye health as we age.