Hazy, faded vision is most closely associated with which functional limitation?

• A. Reduced acuity
• B. Reduced contrast sensitivity and glare sensitivity
• C. Color discrimination issues
• D. Peripheral field loss

Answer: (B)

Hazy, faded vision happens because the eye’s ability to see objects clearly against their background is compromised and bright light becomes hard to tolerate. Reduced contrast sensitivity means distinguishing objects from their surroundings becomes difficult when contrast is low, so scenes look foggy or washed out even if sharpness (acuity) seems mostly fine. Glare sensitivity means bright lights or glare create discomfort and halos, further washing out details and making everything appear hazy. Put together, these two limitations explain why vision can feel faded or cloudy in everyday life—especially in dim lighting, fog, or while driving at night with oncoming headlights.

Color discrimination problems would show up as difficulty telling colors apart, not a general haziness. Peripheral field loss would cause missing portions at the edges of vision, not a uniform hazy or faded appearance across the scene. Reduced acuity alone can blur details, but it doesn’t capture the specific hazy, washed-out feel produced by low contrast and glare sensitivity.