Today, we’re going to review the difference between a vision screening and a comprehensive eye exam because I receive many questions about this topic.
What is a Vision Screening?
A Vision Screening is a quick, limited test to identify people who have common vision problems. Screenings are performed by a school nurse or volunteer, doctor’s assistant, or a DMV employee. A vision screening isn’t a suitable substitute for an eye exam.
School vision screenings are great and catch many basic conditions! And I’m grateful that our local schools perform them because in my state of Wisconsin, we do not have a law requiring students to have verified good vision in every grade. We know that one out of four school-aged children have vision problems that can affect their confidence, learning, and personality.
Children Grow Fast, and Their Vision Will Change as They Grow
Vision screenings in general are usually well designed to alert people of vision problems that are easy to screen for, but they do not capture the very important details of related vision, eye health and teaming issues of the brain’s vision system.
Why Do I Need a Eye Exam with an Eye Doctor?
Only an eye care professional can perform a Comprehensive Eye Exam to diagnose and treat eye and vision problems in adults and children. Even with all of the awesome technology we have, still there is no substitute for a knowledgeable and caring person to put it all together for you.
Yearly Routine Eye Exams Begin at Age 3
Studies show that up to 11% of children who pass a vision screening have a vision problem that was missed and needs treatment. That’s why even if your child passes her vision screening at school, she should still have an annual eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist who is great with kids.
Kids don’t always know when something is wrong. I’ve seen countless times the guilt and surprise on parents faces when a newly found vision problems was undiagnosed.
Making sure the eyes are healthy and seeing properly and working together as a team is what make an eye exam comprehensive. Just because your son tells you that he can see something small at a far distance doesn’t mean all is well!
Sometimes additional testing of the refractive, accommodative, or convergence system is needed. A referral to a vision therapy center may be recommended for non routine eye problems which can impede efficient reading and learning.
There is a Difference Between Seeing, and Seeing Well
To better understand functional vision, your eye doctor may ask how you or your child is doing in school, grades, reading habits, favorite subjects, sports played, and amount of screen time. Any headaches, eye strain, doubling of vision?
With a comprehensive eye exam at Petrou Eye Care, you can expect a thorough and detailed dilated pupil eye health and vision system evaluation with explanations of specific situation and needs, such how posture and closeness to computer screens can affect the eye’s focusing system, or the importance of hydration, sleep, and exercise on the brain and eye’s ability to work together for reading, concentration and alertness.
To contact one of our knowledgeable team members with questions, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone at 414-247-2020 or by email at info@petroueyecare.com.
Best wishes for a lifetime of healthy eyes and great vision!
~Christina Petrou, OD
