Diagnosing and Treating Cataract

Cataracts can be diagnosed only a thorough eye examination which includes the following tests:

Visual acuity test

This eye chart test measures who well you see at various distances.
Dilated eye examination

Eyedrops are instilled in your eye to enlarge (dilate) your pupils. The Optomap Retinal scan will be used to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of damage and other eye problems. After the examination, your near vision may remain blurred and you will be sensitive to light for a few hours.
Tonometry

Your eye pressure will be measured to exclude an eye disease called glaucoma. Numbing drops will be instilled in your eye for this test.
Anterior segment analysis - Scheimpflug and retro illumination photography of the lens

This special diagnostic machine is usually used as a research tool to measure the optical density of the human lens and cataract formation. Cataracts can then be graded in a uniform and standard fashion. This allows continuous follow-up and documentation of the cataract development.

Other tests, like Macula Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), may also be performed to learn more about the structure and health of your eyes.

If your vision is still good and has not affected your daily life, you can temporarily improve your vision by:
- Changing to a new pair of glasses
- Increasing the magnification of your reading material
- Using strong lighting
If your vision is impaired and affects your daily life, preventing you from doing the things you like to do, you can choose to undergo cataract surgery.