Eye Examination

Cataract Evaluation

What to Expect During Your Cataract Evaluation
Our specially trained ophthalmic technicians will start your cataract examination by reviewing your family history, current health history, medication allergies, and any medications you may be taking. The technician will ask what eye problems you are experiencing; such as decreased vision, problems with glare, inability to read the newspaper or difficulty driving. The technician will then check your vision (be sure to bring your glasses and/or contact lenses),, eye muscle alignment, confrontation visual field, and pupils. Your best-corrected vision will be determined by performing a refraction. Prior to your eyes being dilated the technician will perform a glare test and check your eye pressure. Dilating drops will be instilled; in general it will take 20 minutes for your eyes to dilate, and your eyes will remain dilated for approximately 4-6 hours. Dilating drops increase sensitivity to bright lights and diminish “up close” reading vision for approximately 4-6 hours. After your eyes have dilated a technician may also perform a PAM test.

Next, your doctor will review the information obtained from the technicians work up. Several specialized microscopes will be used to examine your eyes. By looking inside your eyes, your doctor can determine if you have cataracts, or any other conditions. They will discuss the health of your eyes, and their treatment plan will be explained in detail.

If you are a candidate for cataract surgery, your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of surgery with you, and they will answer your questions.

A surgery counselor will speak with you prior to your leaving the office. The additional information they provide will help you make an informed decision regarding scheduling cataract surgery.