How is a cataract detected?
• Answer: Cataract is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes: Visual acuity test . This eye chart test measures how well you see at various distances. Dilated eye exam . Drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. Your eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of damage and other eye problems. Tonometry . An instrument measures the pressure inside the eye. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye for this test.
A thorough eye examination by your eye doctor can detect the presence and extent of a cataract, as well as any other conditions that may be causing blurred vision or other symptoms. There may be other reasons for visual loss in addition to the cataract, particularly problems involving the retina or optic nerve. If these problems are present, removal of the cataract may improve vision, but perfect sight may not be possible. If such conditions are severe, removal of the cataract may not result in any improvement in vision. Your ophthalmologist can tell you how much visual improvement is likely.
