Which finding is most consistent with cataracts?

• A. Conjunctival injection
• B. Poorly visualized optic disc
• C. Central visual field loss
• D. Arcus senilis

Answer: (B)

When a cataract is present, the clouding of the lens blocks light from reaching the retina, so examiners often cannot see posterior structures clearly. This makes the optic disc poorly visualized on ophthalmoscopic examination, which is the finding most consistent with a lens opacity like a cataract.

Other signs point to different issues. Red eye or conjunctival injection comes from surface inflammation rather than lens clouding. Arcus senilis is a lipid ring around the cornea common with aging and not a cause of vision loss from cataracts. Central visual field loss suggests retinal or optic nerve disease rather than a lens problem, whereas cataracts more classically cause reduced visual acuity and glare with a diminished red reflex but not a definite central field defect.