Vision Screening is not the same
Loss of Vision screening is a brief exam that can catch some existing and potential vision problems. A screening cannot actually diagnose what is wrong with your eyes – it usually only determines that the subject should make an appointment with an eye doctor for a more comprehensive exam. Typical vision screening only tests acuity-distance, which is what most people know as viewing the standard eye chart and measuring vision at a distance.
A children’s comprehensive eye exam should include testing of Acuity for both distance vision and near vision – since near vision is crucial for reading skills.
- Eye Tracking and Fixation Skills tests the ability of eyes to follow an object, used when moving eyes across a sheet of paper while reading.
- Binocular Fusion tests the ability of using both eyes together.
- Stereopis tests depth perception.
- Convergence tests both eyes working together as a team.
Other tests include:
- Color Vision
- Reversal Frequency
- Visual Memory
- Form Discrimination
Some common children’s visual conditions that aren’t detected by eye chart alone:
Amblyopia, otherwise known as “lazy eye”. Amblyopia is a neurological condition that can be caused by anything that interferes with vision in either eye between birth and 6 years. If left untreated, vision and depth perception may result.
Hyperopia, which makes it difficult to focus at near viewing (reading).
Strabismus, a condition where a person eyes do not align under normal circumstances. This is not a condition that children outgrow.
Convergence Insufficiency is a near vision problem that interferes with a child’s ability to see, read, learn and work up close.
