CATARACT SCREENING
Eye cataracts can be diagnosed by an optometrist by performing a series of tests, usually included in a comprehensive eye examination. The following tests help doctors diagnose eye cataracts and determine their severity.n eye cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens. The lens of your eye lies behind the iris and the pupil. Over time, a cataract may grow larger and cloud a bigger portion of the lens, making it harder for you to see.
A slit lamp is a special type of microscope that magnifies your eye we can examine the lens to determine the presence and severity of a cataract.
A cataract starts out small and at first has little effect on your vision. You may notice that your vision is blurred a little, like looking through a cloudy piece of glass or viewing an impressionist painting.
A cataract may make light from the sun or a lamp seem too bright or glaring. Or you may notice when you drive at night that the oncoming headlights cause more glare than before. Colors may not appear as bright as they once did.
The main causes of cataract is due to the aging process, where the natural lenses hardens. In conjunction with old age, people with diabetes, hypertension and systemic drug users are more prone to get cataract. Also to note, over-exposure to UV light, smoking and alcohol are other cataract-inducing mediators.
There are 3 types of cataract, namely subcapsular, nuclear and cortical. First of all, nuclear cataract causes the most vision blurriness. This is followed by subcapsular that gives reflection at night and cortical that gives you tunnel vision. In conclusion, it is best to have your eyes screened to note which type of cataract that is affecting you.
It's advisable to have cataract screening once to two years but it's best to attend earlier if any eye problems occur or if advised by us your optometrist.