Do you have blurred or distorted vision? If so, it may be time to visit an eye doctor. Using a slit lamp or a special device called an ophthalmoscope, an ophthalmologist can examine the lens of your eye for signs of cataracts. Eye care specialists use several tests to diagnose eye cataracts, such as a simple visual acuity test or pupil dilation. A cataract is a common eye disease that occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy.
This can happen due to aging, injury, or other causes. During the exam, the ophthalmologist may find that a cataract is developing. Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 25 million Americans. During a visual acuity test, your ophthalmologist will ask you to read letters of different sizes from an eye chart, one eye at a time.
Your ability to read the cards clearly will help your doctor determine if you have a visual impairment. A possible acuity test is similar, but the eye chart projects into the eye, preventing cataracts. Even if you don't experience symptoms or suspect you have a cataract, it's important to have your eyes checked every two years after age 40 and every year after age 65. During the annual comprehensive eye exam, the ophthalmologist can detect eye diseases in the early stages, when most treatable. As you scour the city looking for gifts this season, add scheduling an eye exam appointment to your to-do list. If a test reveals that you do have a cataract, the ophthalmologist will be able to determine what the next steps will be to treat the condition.
Cataract surgery is quick and usually painless, and your eye professional will guide you through the process before any procedure is performed. In the midst of the holiday season and family gatherings this season, call your ophthalmologist to have your eyes examined. Regular eye exams are especially important if you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or hypertension, that can cause diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma. The Cleveland Eye Clinic has six different offices and performs surgeries at 4 surgery centers.
