Which condition results in a loss of central vision?

Macular degeneration is a condition that leads to the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, known as the macula, which is responsible for central vision. This loss occurs because the macula plays a crucial role in the ability to see fine details and perform tasks like reading, recognizing faces, and driving. Individuals with macular degeneration often experience blurred or distorted vision in the central field, which significantly impacts their day-to-day activities.

The other conditions listed do not primarily cause a loss of central vision. Presbyopia, for example, is a natural aging process that affects the ability to focus on nearby objects but does not specifically lead to central vision loss. Myopia, or nearsightedness, results in difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, while strabismus, which refers to misalignment of the eyes, can lead to double vision or poor depth perception but also does not affect central vision directly. Only macular degeneration is specifically associated with the loss of central vision.