Cataract Test: What to Expect
Cataract testing is generally done as part of your yearly comprehensive eye test and is crucial for everyone to have it done on a regular basis. Cataracts can usually have gradual effects on the eye – some of which you might notice at first by yourself. Definitely, if you think you have symptoms of a cataract, you can organize a test sooner. But how do you determine when the signs are enough to request for your eyes to get tested for cataracts?
When should a test for cataracts be done? Developing a cataract is frequent during the ageing process, and several undergo surgery or other treatments to treat the condition. People who smoke, come from families with people with cataracts, and those with a disease that could put them at more risk are likely to get cataracts. Nonetheless, all of us can develop cataracts. Here is a checklist to help you know if you need a cataract exam before your forthcoming comprehensive eye test.
Is your eyesight more cloudy or shadowy than once was? Are you having poor vision at night? Are you experiencing double vision? Do colors look dimmer than before? Do you require bright lights to read – especially small print? Are you sensitive to dazzling lights, for example, sunlight and computer lights? Have your prescriptions changed repeatedly over the past short time? Are you over 60? If your reply to any of these queries is yeah, it is probable you have a cataract. To determine your fate, have a professional test you for cataracts.
What takes place during a cataract test? To establish if you have the condition, your eye doctor will do three tests; visual acuity test, retinal test, and slip-lamp test. During a visual acuity test, your doctor will request that you read letters of different sizes from an eye diagram, one eye at a time. Your ability to read visibly will enable your doctor to tell whether you have a vision problem. During a retinal exam, your doctor will scrutinize the flipside of your eyes. You will be given exceptional eye drops to expand your pupils. The doctor will use an ophthalmoscope or slit lamp to get a good look at your eyes and check if your lens has been affected by a cataract. During a slit-lamp examination, your doctor will use a microscope to view your eye; the microscope gives a clear and expanded view of everything at the obverse of the eye. The clearer view the microscope provides is important in enabling doctors to spot abnormalities, for example, cataracts.
Hopefully, this article has helped you answer questions about a cataract test.
