How to investigate and make diagnosis for Cataract?
Cataract is simply diagnosed with slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination by eye doctors. Pupil dilatation may be required for a detail examination of cataract morphology.
During the consultation, the following tests may also be performed.
- Visual acuity test
- Intraocular pressure measurement
- Fundus examination
Underlying secondary causes for cataract should be ruled out before the diagnosis of age-related cataract is made.
Cataract extraction surgery remains the most effective treatment for the cloudy lens. Operation is usually performed under local anaesthesia and patient is allowed to go home on the same day. Nowadays, the two most commonly performed cataract operations are phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract extraction.
What are the treatments for Cataract?
Phacoemulsification uses the ultrasound energy to break the lens into fragments and then aspirates them from the eye. It has small wound and no suture is required. However, not every cataract is suitable for phacoemulsification. For those very dense cataracts, extracapsular cataract extraction could be a better option as it may prevent other ocular structures from being damaged by the high ultrasound energy in phacoemulsification.
In order to improve the visual outcome, artificial lens will be implanted at the same time after the cataract is removed.