What a cataract screening involves

A cataract screening is a straightforward eye exam that takes 15 to 30 minutes and does not require surgery or injections. Your eye doctor will use a microscope called a slit lamp to look directly at the lens of your eye and check for cloudiness. You may also read letters on a chart from across the room to measure how clearly you see, and your doctor may dilate your pupils with drops to see the back of your eye more clearly.

The screening itself causes no pain. The dilating drops can sting slightly for a few seconds, and your vision will be blurry for a few hours afterward — plan to have someone drive you home or use public transit, because you should not drive until the drops wear off. Bring sunglasses; your eyes will be sensitive to light.

You do not need to fast or prepare in any special way before a cataract screening. Wear comfortable clothing and bring your insurance card and a list of any eye medications you use.

Key Takeaways

  • A cataract screening uses a slit lamp microscope to look for cloudiness in your eye lens and takes 15 to 30 minutes with no pain or needles.
  • Dilating drops blur your vision for a few hours, so arrange a ride home and do not plan to drive afterward.
  • Your primary care doctor can refer you to an eye doctor, or you can call an ophthalmology or optometry office directly to schedule.
  • Medicare covers cataract screenings as part of an annual eye exam if you are 65 or older, and most private insurance plans cover them as preventive care.
  • If a cataract is found, your doctor will discuss whether surgery is needed now or whether monitoring is safe for your situation.

Who should get screened and how often

Anyone over 60 should have their eyes checked for cataracts at least once every one to two years, even if they notice no vision problems. Cataracts develop slowly and often cause no symptoms until they are advanced enough to blur your sight. If you have diabetes, a family history of cataracts, or have had eye surgery or injury, your doctor may recommend screening more often.

People under 60 with no risk factors typically do not need cataract screening unless they notice symptoms like blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, or halos around lights. If you have these symptoms, contact your eye doctor rather than waiting for a routine screening.

How to schedule a screening

You can schedule a cataract screening through your primary care doctor, who can refer you to an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in eye care) or an optometrist (a licensed eye care professional who can also perform screenings). You can also call an eye care office directly without a referral. Ask whether the office is in your insurance network before you book.

When you call, tell the office you want a screening for cataracts. Ask how long the appointment will take and whether you should plan for someone to drive you home. Some offices schedule screening appointments on the same day as other eye exams; others have separate appointment types. If you have not seen an eye doctor in more than a year, the office may schedule a full eye exam rather than a screening alone.

What insurance covers

Medicare covers one comprehensive eye exam per year for people 65 and older as a preventive service with no out-of-pocket cost if you see a doctor who accepts Medicare. A cataract screening is part of that exam. If you have Medicare Advantage, your plan may cover additional eye exams; check your plan documents or call the plan directly.

Private insurance plans typically cover one or two eye exams per year as preventive care, which includes cataract screening. You usually pay nothing if you see an in-network provider. Check your plan's website or call the number on your insurance card to confirm what is covered and whether you need a referral.

If you have no insurance, ask the eye doctor's office about their cash price for a screening. Prices vary widely by location and provider, typically ranging from $75 to $200. Some community health centers and vision clinics offer reduced-cost exams based on income.

What happens if a cataract is found

If your screening shows a cataract, your eye doctor will tell you how advanced it is and whether it is affecting your vision. Many people have cataracts that cause no symptoms and do not need treatment right away. Your doctor may recommend monitoring — returning for another exam in 6 to 12 months to see whether the cataract is growing.

If the cataract is blurring your vision enough to interfere with daily life, your doctor will discuss cataract surgery. This is an outpatient procedure where the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. Surgery is safe and effective, but the decision to have it is yours — there is no rush unless the cataract is causing other eye problems. Your doctor will explain the risks, benefits, and what to expect before and after surgery.

Preparing for your appointment

Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, and a list of all medications and supplements you take, including eye drops. If you have had eye surgery or injury in the past, mention it when you check in. Wear comfortable clothing and bring sunglasses for after the appointment.

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The doctor may want to check your vision with your current correction. If you wear contacts, you may be asked to remove them before the exam; ask the office when you schedule whether you should leave them out that day.

Plan to spend about an hour at the office, including check-in and waiting time. After the exam, your pupils will be dilated and your vision blurry for 3 to 5 hours. Do not drive, and avoid activities that require sharp vision like reading small print or using a computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a cataract screening hurt?

No. The slit lamp exam is painless. The dilating drops may sting for a few seconds when they go in, but that passes quickly. You may feel slight pressure on your eye when the doctor holds the lamp close, but this is not painful.

Can I drive after a cataract screening?

Not safely. The dilating drops blur your vision and make your eyes sensitive to light for 3 to 5 hours. Arrange a ride before your appointment or use a taxi or rideshare service. If you wear sunglasses, bring them — the glare will be uncomfortable without them.

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?

Both can perform cataract screenings. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who can perform eye surgery and treat complex eye diseases. An optometrist is a licensed eye care professional (OD) who can diagnose and treat many eye conditions but cannot perform surgery in most states. Either can screen you for cataracts; ask your insurance which type is in your network.

Will I need cataract surgery if a cataract is found?

Not necessarily. Many cataracts grow very slowly or not at all. Your doctor will only recommend surgery if the cataract is blurring your vision enough to affect your daily life, or if it is causing other eye problems. You and your doctor decide together whether surgery is right for you.

How much does a cataract screening cost without insurance?

Prices vary by location and provider, typically $75 to $200 for a screening exam. Some community health centers and vision clinics offer reduced-cost exams based on income. Call local eye care offices and ask about their cash prices, or contact your local health department for low-cost vision clinics in your area.