What condition results in loss of central vision and can develop into a scotoma?

Macular degeneration is a condition that specifically affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. As this condition progresses, it causes the loss of central vision. Individuals may experience a gradual blurring of vision or may develop a scotoma, which is a localized area of lost vision. In the case of macular degeneration, this can manifest as a dark or empty spot in the center of the visual field.

Understanding the significance of central vision is crucial because it plays a vital role in activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. The development of a scotoma can severely impact these daily functions and significantly affect quality of life. Unlike cataracts, which primarily cause cloudiness that affects overall vision, or glaucoma, which primarily affects peripheral vision through increased intraocular pressure, macular degeneration distinctly impacts central vision. Hyperopia, or farsightedness, affects the ability to see close objects clearly but does not lead to central vision loss or scotomas.

Hence, macular degeneration is correctly identified as the condition leading to these particular visual impairments.