How Cataracts Are Diagnosed: What to Expect During an Eye Exam

If you’ve noticed cloudy, blurred, or dim vision, it could be a sign of cataracts. Cataracts are often from aging or other factors like diabetes or UV exposure. Fortunately, diagnosing cataracts is a simple and painless process performed by your eye doctor. Here’s what you can expect during a comprehensive eye exam for cataracts.

At Kirk Eye Center, patients throughout Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor, and Northern Colorado have received trusted, comprehensive eye care since 1991. Led by Dr. John Kirk, a Colorado native and board-certified ophthalmologist, the practice combines advanced diagnostic technology with a personalized approach, ensuring every cataract diagnosis and treatment plan reflects the most up-to-date techniques in modern ophthalmology.

Step 1: Medical and Vision History

Dr. Kirk will begin by asking about your vision symptoms, general health, and any medications you’re taking. He’ll also discuss how your vision changes are affecting your daily life, whether it’s difficulty reading, driving at night, or seeing colors clearly. This information helps guide the rest of the exam.

Step 2: Visual Acuity Test

You’ll likely start with a standard eye chart test. This measures how well you can see at varying distances. If your vision is blurry even with corrective lenses, it may be an early sign of cataract development.

Step 3: Slit-Lamp Examination

Next, your doctor will use a slit-lamp microscope to get a magnified look at your cornea, iris, lens, and retina. This allows him to spot any cloudiness in the lens, which indicates cataracts.

Step 4: Retinal Exam (Dilation)

Your pupils may be dilated using special eye drops. Once your pupils widen, Dr. Kirk can examine the back of your eye more clearly with the slit lamp or an ophthalmoscope. This helps assess how advanced the cataract is and rule out other eye conditions, such as macular degeneration or glaucoma.

Step 5: Tonometry

Finally, your eye pressure may be measured using a gentle puff of air or a small probe. While this test typically screens for glaucoma, it can also provide useful information about your overall eye health.

Get Expert Cataract Diagnosis and Take Steps to See Clearly in Loveland, CO

Cataract diagnosis is a quick, non-invasive process that helps your doctor determine the cause of your vision changes and the best treatment options. If you suspect you may have cataracts, call us at 970-669-1107 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam, which is the first step toward clearer vision and improved quality of life.