The Diagnosis of Cataracts
The lens of our eye lies behind the iris and pupil is primarily made up of water and protein.
This protein is normally arranged or distributed in a precise manner that keeps the lens clear in order to allow light to pass through the lens to the retina.
The eye condition of cataracts develops when the lens behind the iris and pupil becomes cloudy due to the build up or clumping of protein and is typically caused by the aging process but can occur due to other eye or health conditions and may even be present at birth.
The diagnosis of cataracts is made based upon the results of several testing methods used by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Testing for Cataracts In order to make a proper diagnosis and confirm the presence of cataracts, your eye doctor may need to perform several tests that including examining the internal parts of the eyes.
One of these tests will include pupil dilation and is performed by placing liquid drops in the eye that causes the pupils to dilate.
This gives the eye doctor the ability when using a microscope to clearly see the inner parts or back of the eye including the retina, lens, and essential blood vessels.
If a cataract is present, the eye doctor will be able to see this on the lens of the eye.
Further testing may be recommended to determine the exact type of cataract that is present.
Recommending Treatment While there is no cure for cataracts and the only form of treatment is removal, a determination of whether or not surgery is needed depends upon the severity of vision loss as well as the individual's needs pertaining to their limitation of vision.
With many types of cataracts surgery is not necessary and the vision loss that is experienced can be helped with the use of prescription glasses, magnifying lenses, and the use of stronger lighting.
This protein is normally arranged or distributed in a precise manner that keeps the lens clear in order to allow light to pass through the lens to the retina.
The eye condition of cataracts develops when the lens behind the iris and pupil becomes cloudy due to the build up or clumping of protein and is typically caused by the aging process but can occur due to other eye or health conditions and may even be present at birth.
The diagnosis of cataracts is made based upon the results of several testing methods used by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Testing for Cataracts In order to make a proper diagnosis and confirm the presence of cataracts, your eye doctor may need to perform several tests that including examining the internal parts of the eyes.
One of these tests will include pupil dilation and is performed by placing liquid drops in the eye that causes the pupils to dilate.
This gives the eye doctor the ability when using a microscope to clearly see the inner parts or back of the eye including the retina, lens, and essential blood vessels.
If a cataract is present, the eye doctor will be able to see this on the lens of the eye.
Further testing may be recommended to determine the exact type of cataract that is present.
Recommending Treatment While there is no cure for cataracts and the only form of treatment is removal, a determination of whether or not surgery is needed depends upon the severity of vision loss as well as the individual's needs pertaining to their limitation of vision.
With many types of cataracts surgery is not necessary and the vision loss that is experienced can be helped with the use of prescription glasses, magnifying lenses, and the use of stronger lighting.