Vision screening programs are intended to identify children or adults who may have undetected vision problems. If the screening indicates a vision problem, they are referred for further evaluation.
However, a vision screening can't be relied on to provide the same results as a comprehensive eye and vision examination.
Screenings can take many forms. Often schools provide periodic vision screenings for their students. A pediatrician or other primary care physician may do a vision screening as part of a school physical. When applying for a driver's license, your vision will likely be screened. Vision screenings are often part of local health fairs put on by hospitals, social service agencies or fraternal groups like the Lions and Elks clubs.
Vision screenings can uncover some vision problems, but they can miss more than they find. This is a major concern about vision screening programs.
Current vision screening methods cannot be relied on to effectively identify individuals who need vision care. In some cases, vision screening may actually inhibit the early diagnosis of vision problems. Screenings can create a false sense of security for those individuals who "pass" the screening but who actually have a vision problem. These people are then less likely to receive treatment for their vision problem-and it could become worse.
Undetected and untreated vision problems can interfere with a child's ability to learn in school and participate in sports. They can also affect an adult's ability to do their job or to drive safely. The earlier a vision problem is diagnosed and treated, the less it will impact an individual's quality of life.
To understand why vision screenings may not find a vision problem, let's look at the factors that can limit their effectiveness.
People often misunderstand what passing a vision screening means. The information obtained from a vision screening is comparable to the information obtained from a blood pressure measurement. Your blood pressure may be in normal range, but that doesn't mean that you do not have other health problems. It's merely a single measure of one aspect of your overall health. Just like you need a complete physical to evaluate your total health, only a comprehensive eye and vision examination can evaluate your overall eye health and vision status.
A Specialized equipment and procedures, which are not available as part of a vision screening program, are needed to adequately evaluate your eyes and vision.
Only an optometrist or ophthalmologist can conduct a comprehensive eye and vision examination. These doctors have the specialized training necessary to make a definitive diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
A comprehensive adult eye and vision examination includes:
Vision screening programs can't substitute for regular professional vision care. Children or adults who pass a vision screening could still have an eye health or vision problem. Professional examinations are the only effective way to confirm or rule out any eye disease or vision problem. The American Optometric Association recommends the following frequency of eye and vision examinations by age.
Patient Age | Examination Interval | |
---|---|---|
Asymptomatic/Risk Free | At Risk | |
Birth to 24 Months | At 6 months of age | At 6 months of age or as recommended |
2 to 5 years | At 3 years of age | At 3 years of age or as recommended |
6 to 18 years | Before first grade and every two years thereafter | Annually or as recommended |
18 to 60 years | Every two years | Every one to two years or as recommended |
61 and older | Annually | Annually or as recommended |