What is the leading cause of blindness in adults?

What is the leading cause of blindness in adults?

• A. Corneal ulcer
• B. Diabetic retinopathy
• C. Hordeolum
• D. Presbyopia

Answer: (B)

Diabetic retinopathy is the best choice because it’s a major cause of irreversible vision loss in adults with diabetes. Chronic high blood sugar damages the tiny vessels in the retina, leading to leakage, swelling, and in advanced stages new fragile vessels that bleed or scar. This progression can severely impair vision or cause blindness if not detected and treated early. Regular screening with dilated eye exams and good control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol, plus treatments like laser therapy or anti-VEGF injections when needed, can prevent or reduce vision loss. Corneal ulcers are serious but not the primary cause of blindness in adults. A stye affects the eyelid and usually doesn’t lead to blindness. Presbyopia is age-related near-vision loss, not blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy is the best choice because it’s a major cause of irreversible vision loss in adults with diabetes. Chronic high blood sugar damages the tiny vessels in the retina, leading to leakage, swelling, and in advanced stages new fragile vessels that bleed or scar. This progression can severely impair vision or cause blindness if not detected and treated early. Regular screening with dilated eye exams and good control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol, plus treatments like laser therapy or anti-VEGF injections when needed, can prevent or reduce vision loss.

Corneal ulcers are serious but not the primary cause of blindness in adults. A stye affects the eyelid and usually doesn’t lead to blindness. Presbyopia is age-related near-vision loss, not blindness.