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Cataracts Diagnosis

Cataracts: Diagnosis


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1. Contrast sensitivity test

The patient is made to read and identify low contrast letters. This test helps the ophthalmologist determine the damage caused by cataract, as quality of vision gets checked through it. The procedure is non invasive and the patient is not required to be hospitalized.

2. Glare vision test

As cataract is known to cause light sensitivity, the patient is made to read a word chart twice. Bright light is used in the first attempt, with normal light intensity use in the other. In case decreased acuity is noticed in bright light, the same is attributed to cataract presence. The procedure is non invasive and does not require hospitalization.

3. Dilated fundus examination

Mydriatic eye drops are used in dilated fundus examination to help enlarge the pupil. This helps obtain a better view of the fundus of the eye. This test helps determine cataract presence.

4. Refraction test

This test measures a person’s perception for contact lenses. The patient is made to sit on a chair equipped with a special device known as a phoroptor. The patient is made to look through the device and focus on a chart that is 20 feet away. Lenses of varying strength are used during the test. The clarity of vision is checked through this test. A non invasive procedure, the refraction test does not require hospitalization.

5. Standard ophthalmic examination

In a standard ophthalmic examination, theย ophthalmologist asks the patient about their overall health, family medical history and use of contact lens, if any, by the patient. The patient is made to read random letters even as the ophthalmologist checks for the use of contact lens. This is done by placing a series of contact lens before the eye of the patient as they are made to read random letters. A standard ophthalmic examination is a non invasive procedure with no hospitalization required for the test.

6. Pupil dilation test

This is the most common test that helps in accurate diagnosis of cataract presence. In normal circumstances, it is not able to check for the cloudiness level of the lens, unless it has reached the advance stage. In the pupil dilation test, the eye is dilated and with the pupil increasing in size, a clear vision of the entire lens is available. A thorough examination of the lens helps theย ophthalmologist find out if cataract presence is affecting the vision of the patient. The pupil dilation test is non invasive and the patient need not be hospitalized.

7. Slit lamp test

In this test, theย ophthalmologist is able to determine the severity of cataract, in case the same is noticed. Slit lamp, a specially designed microscope plays a vital role in this test. The microscope presents a magnified image of the eye, making it easier for the ophthalmologist to arrive at a conclusion. The patient is directed to place his/her chin on the chin rest of the slit lamp. A light beams into the eye, helping the ophthalmologist check the lens for the cloudiness level. Slit lamp test is non invasive and patient is not required to undergo hospitalization for the same.

8. Contrast sensitivity test

The procedure is essentially similar to a visual acuity test. The emphasis of contrast sensitivity test is to find out as to how the cataract presence can decrease the image contrast. This happens due to light scattering and glare that is caused by cataract. Contract sensitivity test is non invasive and the patient can go home the same day.

9. Visual acuity test

The quality of vision is measured through this test. Theย ophthalmologist directs the patient to read letters from a chart pasted across the wall. The eyes are tested individually and collectively, to judge the accuracy levels. This is a basic test to check for any potential cataract presence, though a range of tests will be conducted, in case cataract is diagnosed. Visual acuity test is a non invasive procedure and the patient need not be hospitalized for the same.

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