How is cataract diagnosed?

How is cataract diagnosed?

A cataract is diagnosed by a regulated health professional.   It can be observed in the lens of the eye with a hand-held ophthalmoscope or biomicroscope.

Cataracts are usually graded (0-4) on their density and the type is noted.  Sometimes dilating eye drops are required to better assess the type of cataract.

There is a danger in attributing vision loss solely to cataract without a full eye exam.   The eye is complex and often has concurrent issues (e.g. macular degeneration + cataract).  Only a full exam can sort out if vision loss is 100% attributable to cataract development.