Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common method of investigation of cataract?
One of the most common and initial investigations of cataract used by a medical professional in order to diagnose a patient for cataract is the visual acuity test; the slit-lamp examination follows this to get a better look at the individual’s eye.
Can I do a self-test for cataract?
Individuals can self-diagnose cataract by looking out for the symptoms — poor night vision, clouded texture in the eye lens, faded colour reception, doubled or ghosted vision, experiencing halos around light sources and an overall sensitivity towards light.
What do ophthalmologists suggest for the diagnostic evaluation of cataract?
Diagnosing a cataract is done through a series of assessment techniques. Ophthalmologists typically suggest the magnification test in the initial stages of diagnosing a cataract. The slit-lamp microscope is used to perform this test.
Which is the safest cataract test?
Apart from self-diagnosis, individuals can always trust the magnification test done through the slit-lamp microscope by a healthcare professional to obtain a safe diagnosis for cataract.
What tests are used to diagnose cataract?
Medical professionals diagnose cataract by various diagnostic techniques depending on the severity of the patient’s complaint. For the initial stages, doctors use four procedures, which include — the visual acuity test, the retinal exam, applanation tonometry and the slit-lamp magnification test. Other tests include the OCT test, contrast sensitivity test, colour vision test, biometry test, etc.
Which is the most reliable and accurate diagnostic test for cataract?
Although ophthalmologists utilise various techniques to diagnose a cataract, the most common one is the slit-lamp test. It is, typically, the most reliable diagnostic test for cataract done by healthcare professionals to make a successful diagnosis. Here, a slit lamp delivers high-intensity light to the patient's eye.
What tests are done before cataract surgery?
Apart from the diagnostic test for cataract done before the surgical operation to remove cataract, the patients may need to go in for a couple of more tests, including an EKG test to ensure a healthy heart and a CBC test to check the RBC count.
How is a cataract examination done?
A cataract is evaluated by an ophthalmologist using the following procedure:
- Visual Acuity Test: To check the eyesight of the patient.
- Retinal Exam: Here, the doctors apply drops in the patient's eye to widen their pupils.
- Slit-lamp Test: After the retinal exam, the doctors check the eye at a microscopic level through the slit-lamp microscope.
- Applanation Tonometry: To check the fluid pressure of the eye of the patient.
How long does diagnostic evaluation of cataract take?
The diagnostic evaluation of cataract typically takes about 2 to 3 hours. At this time of diagnosis, patients undergo various procedures that may vary from general eye check-ups to cataract-focused diagnosis tests, which can include slit-lamp test, colour vision test, contrast sensitivity test, OCT test, Biometry test and much more.
Is there any blood test for cataract surgery?
Yes, the CBC or the Complete Blood Count test is a blood test for cataract surgery generally ensured by doctors before the cataract surgery to evaluate the red blood cell count of the patient.
Can a medical test be done after a cataract?
Yes, medical tests for diagnosis of cataract can be done on patients even after the patient’s confirmed cataract to check the intensity of cataract.
How to test eye cataract at home?
A few ways to check for cataract at home would be to notice the following symptoms:
- Clouded layer on the lens of the eye
- Poor night vision
- Bright colours may seem faded
- Halos around light sources
- Sensitivity towards the light
Which diagnostic technique is used to confirm the location and extent of cataract?
The retinal exam, along with the microscopic evaluation via slit lamp, is the diagnostic technique. It allows ophthalmologists to thoroughly examine the human eye to confirm the intensity, extent and location of cataract, as the slit-lamp microscope lets the doctors view the cornea, iris and the lens of the patient’s eye.
Can a normal eye test detect cataract?
Yes, a regular eye test can detect a cataract; they can also detect if the cataract already in a patient’s eye is worsening.
How much time does the surgery of a cataract take?
The average time for a cataract procedure is 15 to 20 minutes, and there is no need for an overnight hospital stay. If a patient has cataract in both eyes, the surgeon won't conduct surgery on the second eye until the first eye has fully recovered.
How long does it take for cataract examination reports?
The evaluation report duration varies depending on the public and private healthcare facilities. Generally, the cataract examination reports take up to 2 days.
What is the cost of the diagnostic evaluation of a cataract?
The cost of the diagnostic evaluation of cataract varies depending upon the public and private eye clinic centres. An estimate of a general eye check-up that detects cataract ranges between ₹ 350 and ₹ 500.
Are there any diagnostic tests done post-cataract surgery?
It is essential to partake in regular eye check-ups, even after the cataract surgery, to maintain eye health. A general follow-up is typically done about 2 weeks post the cataract surgery to see the eye condition and get prescription glasses if required.
Clinics also take an evaluation about 2 months after the surgery as a precautionary way to check the eye condition.
Can medical test be done after cataract?
Yes, medical tests can be done after cataract surgery. The surgery does not prevent or interfere with other medical tests or procedures. However, it's important to inform the medical professionals conducting the test about any previous eye surgeries or conditions, as this may affect the testing procedures.
How to test eye cataract at home?
While there are a few self-tests that can be done at home to determine if you may be experiencing symptoms of cataract, it's important to note that a proper diagnosis can only be made by an eye doctor. One self-test you can do is a visual acuity test, which involves reading a standard eye chart from a distance of 20 feet with one eye covered at a time.
What tests are used to diagnose cataract?
To diagnose cataract, an eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam. This may include a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam, and a slit-lamp examination to view the structures of the eye. In some cases, additional tests may be performed, such as a tonometry test to measure intraocular pressure.