Cataract Grading Systems

The cornerstone of cataract diagnosis is slit lamp biomicroscopic examination. The surgeon needs to determine whether the density of the cataract accounts for the reduction in vision and, therefore, warrants surgery. For such an evaluation to be consistent, it is pertinent to have a standardized system for the grading and classification of cataracts, which would help not only in the accurate diagnosis, grading, and assessment of progression, but also in clinical research and documentation. With the advent of newer technologies, the grading of cataracts has shifted from a subjective to a more objective assessment.