Many people develop cataracts by the time they turn 60 years old. However, changes in the eyes’ lenses can begin to surface when you reach 40. In the United States, the average age of those who undergo cataract surgery is 73. Diagnosing this eye condition generally starts with a health and medication history. Your eye doctor will also inquire about any recent changes in your vision and how well you can see at present. Here are the tests commonly involved in diagnosing cataracts:

• Refraction or Visual Acuity Test. One of the symptoms of cataract development is nearsightedness or farsightedness. Refraction is a type of eye exam that measures eyewear prescription. Your doctor will determine how sharp or clear your reading and distance vision are through this visual acuity testing. The test involves sitting in a chair that has a refractor attached to it. You look through this special device that contains lenses of varying strengths. Your doctor will ask you to focus on an eye chart and whether it appears more or less clear.

• Slit Lamp Exam. A slit lamp is an instrument that emits a narrow, high-intensity beam of light. It enables eye doctors to get a closer look at the different interior structures of the eye. Before a slit lamp exam, your pupils will be dilated with eye drops. Your eye doctor will look at the lens, which is the clear part of your eye lying behind the iris and the pupil. Cataracts or cloudiness of the eye lens can be diagnosed during this exam. A slit lamp exam will also help spot other abnormalities by looking at the other parts of your eye. These include the cornea, retina, sclera, or optic nerve.

• Retinal Exam. Also referred to as ophthalmoscopy, a retinal exam is not much different from any other eye exam. Pupil dilation will still be necessary to let the doctor see the structures and evaluate the back of your eye. A retinal exam will enable your doctor to look for signs of cataracts. They will examine your retina, which is packed with photosensitive cells. This part of the eye sends visual information to your brain, allowing you to see. A retinal exam will also look at your optic nerve and the vascular layer between the retina and the white part of your eye.

How to Care for Cataracts After Diagnosis

Although small cataracts don’t go away on their own, there are some steps you can take to help slow down the progression. These include switching to a diet that promotes eye health. This includes eating cold-water fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, and leafy greens. When outdoors, it’s also highly advisable to wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Sun exposure may accelerate cataract progression. Ask your doctor about the potential side effects of any prescribed medication. For example, certain eye drops that relieve dry eye symptoms may speed up the progression of cataracts. Ensure that you visit your eye doctor regularly. This way, you can track the progression. This helps them make adjustments to your course of treatment before the symptoms get worse.

Are you in your 40s? If so, you have to schedule a dilated eye exam at least every couple of years. Call Premier Eye Care in Fort Worth, Texas, today to schedule your consultation.