Which condition is characterized by a cloudy lens in the eye?

Cataracts is the condition characterized by a cloudy lens in the eye. This clouding results from the proteins in the lens clumping together, which impairs vision. As cataracts progress, they can lead to blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, and sensitivity to light and glare. It is a common condition that tends to develop with age but can also occur due to other factors, including genetics, certain medical conditions, and prolonged use of corticosteroids.

In contrast, glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to high intraocular pressure, rather than cloudiness in the lens. Macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina (macula) and results in loss of central vision, not lens opacity. Retinal detachment involves the separation of the retina from the underlying tissue, leading to visual changes, but again does not involve the lens itself. Thus, cataracts specifically refer to a cloudy lens, distinguishing it clearly from the other conditions listed.