Which of the following is being affected for Farah as a result of her lens yellowing with age?
options: a) ability to see in bright light b) colour perception c) dark adaptation d) ability to read small print
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: b) colour perception.
As individuals age, the lenses in their eyes can gradually become yellowed or cloudy. This is a normal part of aging, and it primarily affects the way light is transmitted through the lens. The yellowing of the lens filters out certain wavelengths of light, particularly those in the blue spectrum, and can change the overall color perception of the individual. As a result, colors may appear less vibrant or slightly altered, with a general tendency for everything to look warmer or more yellow.
This change in color perception is not typically harmful to vision but can make it more difficult to distinguish between colors, especially in situations where color contrast is important, such as reading or distinguishing objects in low-light conditions. The yellowing lens tends to absorb and scatter light, which can further compromise the ability to perceive true colors.
While the yellowing of the lens does not typically affect the ability to read small print directly (answer choice d), it can make it harder to see contrast or distinguish certain details, especially in poor lighting conditions. However, the most direct effect is on color perception, which is why this is the correct answer.
In contrast, the other options are not as directly impacted by lens yellowing. The ability to see in bright light (answer choice a) or adapt to darkness (answer choice c) are more closely related to other age-related changes in vision, such as decreased pupil size or the loss of rod cells in the retina. The yellowing of the lens does not directly impact these functions, but it may indirectly affect how bright or dim light is perceived.