How to Diagnose a Cataract

It starts with blurred or cloudy vision. Then suddenly images aren't as sharp, colors aren't as bright and night driving is more difficult. Cataracts generally are associated with aging. Younger people, however, can have them too. Identifying the problem requires an ophthalmologist to administer a variety of tests before a diagnosis of cataracts can be made.

Things You'll Need

• Medical history
• Eye examination
• Visual acuity test
• Dilated eye exam
• Tonometry test
• Glare test
• Contrast sensitivity test

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Instructions

• 1

  Understand the term cataract and its effects on the eye. Cataracts cloud the eye's usually transparent lens. While the lens grows denser, the light rays are prohibited from concentrating on the retina.

• 2

  Know the symptoms associated with cataracts. They include blurred vision, light and glare sensitivity, colors and vision becomes muted and sight becomes distorted.

• 3

  Contact an ophthalmologist if you experience any of the symptoms. He will review your medical history and schedule an eye examination. The exam will employ various tests to diagnose a cataract and eliminate other conditions.

• 4

  Participate in a visual acuity test that involves reading an eye chart. This test measures the accuracy at which you see from different distances.

• 5

  Use eye drops to enlarge your pupils and allow the ophthalmologist a better view of your eye. He will check your retina and optic nerve for damage and/or other problems.

• 6

  Ask your doctor to conduct a tonometry test to measure the inside pressure of your eye. He may place numbing drops in your eyes for this examination.

• 7

  Assess the need to test glare and contrast sensitivity with your ophthalmologist.