Vision Screening
Reviewed
Also called: vision test, eye test
A vision screening (also called an eye test) checks how well you can see things up close and far away.
Specimen: none
Why this test may be ordered
- Routine screening for children to detect vision problems early and prevent learning difficulties or permanent vision loss.
- For adults, to check for age-related vision changes or conditions such as presbyopia or cataracts.
- If you or your child have symptoms of vision problems (e.g., squinting, blurry vision, difficulty reading).
- As part of a driver's license exam or other specific requirements.
Preparation and collection
If you or your child wears glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you to the screening. Your provider may want to check the prescription.
There are several types of vision screening tests. It usually involves reading letters or identifying pictures or symbols on an eye chart. To take the test, you usually stand 20 feet from the chart and cover one eye. Each eye is tested separately.
There is no risk to a vision screening.
Understanding results
While vision screening can identify some common vision problems, it may miss other types of eye disorders. Because of this, it's important for you or your child to get regular, comprehensive eye exams.
- Possible vision problem or eye disorder: If vision screening shows a possible vision problem or eye disorder, you or your child will likely be referred to an eye care specialist for a more complete eye exam and treatment. Limitation: While vision screening can identify some common vision problems, it may miss other types of eye disorders. Next step: This may include getting corrective lenses, vision therapy, or surgery.
- Cannot see the numbers or symbols on a color test: If they can't see the numbers or symbols, they are color blind. Color blindness means you see colors differently than most people. Limitation: Children are usually tested once for color vision. Next step: If vision screening shows a possible vision problem or eye disorder, you or your child will likely be referred to an eye care specialist for a more complete eye exam and treatment.
- Vision screening may miss some types of eye disorders. A comprehensive eye exam is recommended for complete eye health evaluation.
- Screening results are not a diagnosis; they indicate the need for further evaluation.
What to do next
If vision screening shows a possible vision problem or eye disorder, you or your child will likely be referred to an eye care specialist for a more complete eye exam and treatment.
- Do you or your child have any symptoms of vision problems (e.g., squinting, blurry vision, headaches, difficulty reading)?
- Is there a family history of eye disease?
- For children: Were they born prematurely? Are there any signs of eye disease?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.