SERVICES
CATARACT EXAMS
Your ophthalmologist will evaluate your eyes to diagnose cataracts. This comprehensive eye evaluation includes dilation to widen the eyes. This means eye drops are used to help widen the pupils. This will cause you to perceive light as very bright and make it difficult to focus. Therefore, you are advised not to drive directly after the visit.
Symptoms
Slow and painless loss of vision- Blurred vision, as if looking through fog or a dirty window
- Double vision
- Seeing halos
- Many patients become increasingly sensitive to light, and driving at night becomes difficult.
- Colours can look faded.
Slit-lamp exam
A slit-lamp exam entails the use of a specialised microscope to assess the eye's structures in expansive detail. The slit lamp can help facilitate laser treatments and capture images of the eye.
Retinal exam
In order to perform a retinal examination, the pupils are dilated so the doctor can visualise the back of the eye more clearly. Using the slit lamp, an Indirect Ophthalmoscope or both, the doctor looks for signs of retinal damage and cataracts. Your ophthalmologist will also look for glaucoma and check the retina and optic nerve.
Refraction and visual acuity test
This test assesses the clarity of an individual's vision. Each eye is tested individually for the ability to see letters of various sizes.
Recommended lifestyle changes
- Have an eye exam annually if you're older than 65 or every two years if you are younger.
- Safeguard your eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses that obstruct 99 per cent UV and a hat.
- If you smoke, Smoking is a major risk factor for the development of cataracts.
- Use bright lights for frequent reading and other intense, eye-related activities. A magnifying glass may be helpful as well.
- Avoid driving at night once night vision, halos or glare becomes a problem.
- Take care of any underlying health problems, especially
- Consult your optometrist to get the right prescription glasses or contact lenses to help correct your vision.
- When it becomes increasingly challenging to complete your regular activities, consider cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is a quick, simple procedure that can have a tremendous impact on improving your quality of life.
