What ocular condition has the NEI reported as potentially blinding?

What ocular condition has the NEI reported as potentially blinding?

• A. Ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS)
• B. Glaucoma
• C. Macular degeneration
• D. Cataracts

Answer: (A)

Ocular histoplasmosis syndrome can cause permanent central vision loss. It creates scars in the retina and can trigger choroidal neovascularization, which damages the macula—the part of the retina needed for sharp, central vision. That direct threat to central vision is why this condition is described as potentially blinding by the NEI. In contrast, while glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts can lead to severe vision loss, cataracts are typically treatable with surgery, and the NEI framing for this question centers on the retinal damage and permanent central-vision threat unique to OHS.

Ocular histoplasmosis syndrome can cause permanent central vision loss. It creates scars in the retina and can trigger choroidal neovascularization, which damages the macula—the part of the retina needed for sharp, central vision. That direct threat to central vision is why this condition is described as potentially blinding by the NEI.

In contrast, while glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts can lead to severe vision loss, cataracts are typically treatable with surgery, and the NEI framing for this question centers on the retinal damage and permanent central-vision threat unique to OHS.