Guide To Diagnosing And Treating Cataracts

Slit-Lamp Examination

Cataracts can be diagnosed with the use of a test referred to as a slit-lamp examination. A slit-lamp exam is usually performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. A slit-lamp examination is also commonly referred to as biomicroscopy in the medical community. Before a slit-lamp examination, eye drops are used to help the specialist identify any abnormalities in the patient's eyes during the exam. The eye drops used during this diagnostic test contain fluorescein, a yellow dye. This dye washes the tears away and helps make the pupils larger. A slit lamp or high-intensity light is used in conjunction with a low-powered microscope to examine the eyes. A patient's eyelids, iris, sclera, retina, conjunctiva, lens, cornea, and optic nerve can be examined. Because cataracts are an abnormal clouding of the lens, the slit-lamp examination can identify their presence.

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