Can an ophthalmologist notice a cataract when looking at your eye?
MAY 08, 2016
Question:
I recently went to an ophthalmologist for a check-up. He noticed I've become slightly more nearsighted. My question is about cataracts. Would he have noticed it when he looked at my eye or could I actually have had that without him realizing it? How noticeable are cataracts to an ophthalmologist looking at your eye?
Answer:
Cataracts develop much like day turns to night. There are many shades of darkness as day ends and night begins. The development of cataracts usually progresses very slowly. Ophthalmologists usually grade cataract 1-4 with 4 being the least bothersome for the patient. Cataract surgery is usually not considered unless the cataract is grade 2 or more advanced and the patient is having vision problems. Just about everyone in the over-65 age group has some degree of clouding in their eye’s natural lens. Most of us do not label this minimal clouding as cataract until it is more noticeable and begins to impact your best corrected vision (with glasses).
With that being said, yes, I think your ophthalmologist would have noticed cataracts in your eyes if you had them. He/she would have told you if your diagnosis was cataract. He/she might NOT have said anything if the clouding of your lens was very slight and not yet up to the classification of cataract. Mild change in glasses prescription can occur from many reasons other than cataract. I suggest you discuss your concerns with your ophthalmologist.