Cataracts

How are cataracts diagnosed?

Even if you can’t see a cataract when you look at your child’s eyes, if one is present, our doctors will be able to detect it. We’ll start by compiling your child’s medical history, and examining her eye with special, kid-sized equipment. We may also:

• perform a visual acuity test (the common eye chart test), which measures how well your child can see at various distances
• dilate your child’s pupils with eye drops – this allows us examine the back of the eye  
• perform an ultrasound to make sure there’s nothing unusual in the back of the eye
• take measurements of your child’s eye to help choose a replacement lens if your child is a candidate for having an artificial lens implant

After we complete all the necessary tests, we’ll meet with you and your family to discuss the results. If appropriate, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of lens implantation with you, and together we’ll decide whether it’s the right treatment for your child at this time.