3 Types of Eye Exams for Cataract Detection
Cataracts affect vision. This condition is often described as clouding of the lens of the eye causing images to be blurry. There are age-related and non-age related cataracts. Although types and causes may vary, cataracts symptoms are generally the same.
The lens of the eye helps focus light on the retina. When lens are clear, sharp images are produced while cloudy lens result to blurry images. Common symptoms of cataracts include: cloudy lens, poor night vision, colors may seem faded, double-vision or multiple vision in one eye, and frequent prescription changes in eyeglasses or contact lenses.
A comprehensive eye exam can help determine if cataracts symptoms are caused by cataracts or if the symptoms are signs of other eye problems. There are three (3) basic types of eye exams that help detect cataract. These are: Visual Acuity Test, Dilated Eye Exam, and Tonometry. The details of each test are as follows:
Visual Acuity Test
This test is designed to measure how well you can see at various distances. The test utilizes a standard eye chart to test both near vision and distance vision. It determines the smallest letters you can read from a 20 feet distance. The visual acuity test also helps measure sharpness of your vision.
Dilated Eye Exam
In a dilated eye exam, an eye care professional uses eye drops to help dilate pupils and widen the eye. A special magnifying lens is then used to examine your retina. Examining the retina at close range can help determine symptoms of optic nerve damage, cataracts symptoms, and other eye problems.
Tonometry
This type of eye exam utilizes an instrument designed to measure fluid pressure inside the eye or what is called intraocular pressure. This test is also used to determine glaucoma and other eye problems.
Other than the three above mentioned exams, an eye care professional may also recommend or include other tests to help determine cataracts symptoms and other eye problems.
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Courtesy: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health (NEI/NIH), Facts About Cataracts, September 2009