How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?

Cataracts are a common eye condition, especially as we age, and they develop gradually over time. Many people don’t realize they have cataracts until vision changes begin to interfere with everyday activities like reading, driving, or seeing clearly in low-light conditions. Understanding how cataracts are diagnosed can help you know what to expect during an eye exam and why regular checkups are so important.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, reducing the amount of light that reaches the retina. This clouding can cause blurry vision, glare from lights, faded colors, and difficulty seeing at night. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes and often worsen slowly, making early detection key to preserving quality vision.

Why Regular Eye Exams Are Essential

Because cataracts develop slowly, many people adapt to changes in vision without realizing the underlying cause. Routine eye exams allow cataracts to be detected early, monitored over time, and managed before they significantly impact your quality of life.

Common Symptoms That Prompt Testing

Many patients seek an eye exam after noticing changes such as:

• Blurry or hazy vision

• Increased sensitivity to light or glare

• Halos around lights, especially at night

• Difficulty reading or seeing fine details

• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions

• Colors appearing dull or yellowed

While these symptoms may be subtle at first, they are often the first signs that cataracts may be developing.

How Cataracts Are Diagnosed

Cataracts are diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. At Hillsdale Eyecare, this exam involves several important steps designed to evaluate both your vision and the health of your eyes.

• Visual Acuity Test: This test measures how clearly you can see at various distances. Using an eye chart, your optometrist checks for changes in sharpness or clarity that may indicate clouding of the lens.

• Refraction Test: A refraction test determines whether changes in your prescription could be improving or worsening your vision. Cataracts can cause frequent shifts in prescription, which may be a clue that the lens is becoming cloudy.

• Slit Lamp Examination: A slit lamp is a specialized microscope that allows your eye doctor to examine the structures at the front of the eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens. This test makes it possible to directly see cataract formation and assess its severity.

• Dilated Eye Exam: During a dilated exam, eye drops are used to widen the pupils, allowing a clearer view of the lens and the back of the eye. This helps your optometrist evaluate the size, location, and progression of cataracts, as well as rule out other eye conditions.

When Is Cataract Treatment Recommended?

Early-stage cataracts can often be managed with updated prescriptions, brighter lighting, or glare-reducing lenses. Treatment decisions are typically based on how much the cataract affects your daily life, not just how it looks during an exam. When cataracts significantly interfere with routine activities, your eye doctor may recommend cataract surgery.

Stay Ahead of Cataracts at Hillsdale Eyecare

Cataracts are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that evaluates vision clarity, lens health, and overall eye function. Early detection allows for better management and ensures that treatment is recommended at the right time.

Schedule your annual eye exam at Hillsdale Eyecare to check for cataracts and protect your long-term eye health. Visit our office in Hillsdale, New Jersey, or call (201) 666-8081 to book an appointment today.