Cataract Diagnosis

If you are over the age of 65 and start experiencing blurry, foggy vision, it may be a sign that you are developing cataracts. The only way to determine whether your symptoms are due to cataracts or another age-related vision condition is to conduct a comprehensive cataract diagnostic exam.

Dr. Chris Walton will perform a thorough clinical exam to assess the cause of your vision deterioration. Based on his findings, he will recommend the appropriate treatment plan to address your needs. Please call {tel} today to schedule an eye exam at our office in Mobile, Alabama.

Devising a Cataract Treatment Plan

Dr. Walton will evaluate your candidacy for cataract surgery based on the results of his clinical diagnostic exam and the level of cataract symptoms you experience. If your cataracts are still in their early stages, you may be able to delay surgery for awhile and achieve clear vision by adjusting your eyeglass or contact lens prescription.

Once your cataracts have advanced to a more advanced stage, surgery will be required to remove your eye's clouded lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

Your Cataract Diagnostic Exam

Dr. Walton will perform several different tests in order to determine whether you have developed cataracts. These include:

• Slit-lamp exam -- A slit-lamp is a floor-standing microscope which employs a narrow beam of light to provide magnified images of small sections of the structures in the interior of your eye. Dr. Walton can use a slit-lamp to see whether cataracts are developing inside your eye's lens.
• Vision test -- The sharpness of your vision is tested using the Snellen Eye Chart. This is the standard vision test used whenever you have your eyes examined during your annual checkup.
• Retinal exam -- Dr. Walton will dilate your pupils to get a clearer view of your retina. This exam can be performed using either a slit-lamp or a hand-held ophthalmoscope in order to detect signs of cataract formation.