How Doctors Diagnose Cataracts
Eye diseases and vision disorders are extremely common. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 93 million adults are at high risk for vision loss but only half visit an eye doctor annually. The World Health Organization discloses that 80% of all vision impairment globally is preventable or treatable, meaning a large percentage of those affected by vision problems could have potentially avoided severe vision loss or blindness with timely care. Many eye conditions, like cataracts, develop without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Without regular comprehensive exams, undiagnosed diseases can compromise vision quality and may lead to irreversible damage. Regular eye exams are a critical tool in maintaining the health of your eyes and sharpness of sight. If it has been a year or longer since your last eye care visit, it’s time to book an appointment with Campbell Cunningham Taylor & Haun.
Cataracts typically develop due to natural aging after the age of 60 although changes in the proteins in the lens of the eye can begin as early as 40 years old. The lens of the eye is primarily made up of water and proteins that are arranged specifically to keep the lens clear, allowing light to pass through easily. Aging causes the proteins to break down and clump together, forming cataracts. Since cataract development is gradual it can be years before cataracts block light entering the eye, impacting daily activities. Through a series of tests during a comprehensive eye exam doctors can diagnose cataracts and monitor progression as surgery will inevitably be necessary.
Ophthalmologists identify the presence of cataracts through the following:
- Review of Medical History and Accompanying Symptoms
A thorough inquiry about factors like age, diabetes, smoking and medication usage helps determine what may contribute to cataract formation
- Visual Acuity Testing
Using the Snellen standard eye chart, this test measures the clarity and sharpness of a person’s vision by having them read letters or symbols at a specific distance, usually 20 feet away
- Slit-lamp Examination
A special microscope with a bright light is used to closely examine the front parts of the eye that include the cornea, iris and lens
- Pupil Dilation
Eye drops called mydriatics temporarily widen the pupils so that the eye doctor can see all parts of the retina (located at the back of the eye) and other internal structures of the eye
- Retinal Examination
With a tool called an ophthalmoscope shining a light through the pupil and using magnification, the doctor examines the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels for damage that may be contributing to vision problems
- Refraction Test
This test helps determine how much a cataract is affecting vision by looking through a device called a phoropter that changes a combination of lenses to provide the clearest vision
- Glare and Contrast Sensitivity Testing
A patient views objects or patterns under different lighting conditions to assess how well they can distinguish between shades of light and dark as well as how they handle glare
- Intraocular Pressure Testing
Also known as tonometry, this test measures the pressure inside the eye and is used to detect glaucoma, an eye condition commonly associated with cataracts
- Potential Acuity Metering
This tests measures potential visual acuity to estimate what a person’s vision may look like after cataract removal
- Ultrasound
Cataracts can only be treated by removing them. In doing so, they need to be replaced by an intraocular lens (IOL)-this test measures the length of the eye to determine the appropriate power of the news lens
Cataract testing is generally painless and effective, involving non-invasive procedures to assess vision and examine intricate parts of the eye to help diagnose cataracts and guide treatment.