Importance of Vision Screening

Vision screening is a procedure that starts in infancy and continues throughout childhood. It is important that children's eyes be tested. In infancy, the doctor can see functional problems by looking into the child's eye. Many of those conditions can be corrected to avoid permanent damage to sight. Screening visual acuity isn't done until age two or three and is recommended to be repeated yearly until age seven. After age seven, screening should be done every two years.

The parent is usually the first person to notice vision problems. Sometimes, it's noticing that one eye isn't straight, or maybe that the eyes are crossed. Frequent headaches, squinting or sitting too close to the TV are a few other observations a parent can make that may be clues to a vision problem.

Gone is the old Snellen Chart that was used to test vision in elementary schools about 30 years ago. This is the electronic age, so today, visual tests are done on a computer with software that is developmentally appropriate. School nurses are trained to use this computer testing in pre-reading children as well as those who can read and follow directions. Screening is standardized so that results can be interpreted by doctors.

The importance of vision screening is vital to preserving sight. Acuity refers to the sharpness of vision. Testing acuity shows who needs glasses to correct poor vision. Frequently, grades improve when acuity is improved. Yearly checkups are recommended for anyone who wears glasses. Sight can be assisted by glasses, but so far, there is nothing to replace sight. Vision screening is essential for children to live normal lives and to learn at a normal rate.