How to Grade Cataracts

Cataracts are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye, and they are a common age-related sight disorder. Clumps of protein form and distort or block light, and the result is like looking through a waterfall. In fact, "cataract" derives from foreign words meaning "waterfall." The only treatment for cataracts is surgery, but it depends on a number of factors, and grading the severity of a cataract is one of the considerations.

Things You'll Need

• Appointment with opthamologist
• List of medications and medical history

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Instructions

How to Grade Cataracts

• 1

  Visit an eye doctor, or ophthalmologist, bringing with you a list of medications and overview of your medical history. Certain health problems, including diabetes and hypertension, can cause or exacerbate eye conditions such as cataracts.

• 2

  Allow the doctor to perform a visual acuity test and dilate your pupils, then examine your eyes to look for signs of cataracts or other issues.

• 3

  Learn the American Optometric Association's grading system for cataracts, which is simplified here:
  Grade 1: The lens has mild yellowing, 10 percent of pupil obscured by cataract, 3 percent of back surface of lens obscured by cataract.
  Grade 2: The lens has moderate yellowing, 10 percent to 50 percent of pupil obscured by cataract, 30 percent of back surface of lens obscured by cataract.
  Grade 3: Pronounced yellowing of lens, 50 percent to 90 percent of pupil obscured by cataract, 50 percent of back surface of lens obscured by cataract.
  Grade 4: Severe yellowing of lens, more than 90 percent of pupil obscured by cataract, more than 50 percent of back surface of lens obscured by cataract.