A driver testing has diminished central acuity. What could this indicate?

Diminished central acuity primarily affects the driver’s ability to see fine details directly in the center of their vision. This specific type of vision loss is often associated with conditions that impact the macula, which is responsible for sharp, central vision. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of central vision loss, particularly in older adults, as it progressively deteriorates the macula over time.

The other conditions mentioned also affect vision but typically in different ways. Glaucoma often causes peripheral vision loss rather than central acuity issues. Cataracts initially may cause blurred vision but typically affect all areas of vision rather than being specific to central acuity. Scleritis, which involves inflammation of the sclera, can lead to pain and might impact vision but does not primarily lead to diminished central acuity.

In this context, diminished central acuity is most directly indicative of macular degeneration, making it the most fitting explanation for the driver's visual impairment.