Vision Screening

What is vision screening and why is it important? Vision screening is very important. It helps identify individuals who may possibly have vision problems. With early vision screening, the initial detection of problems is made possible. These tests help in deciding to have a professional eye exam. Vision screening leads to the early diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and disorders. If these eye diseases and disorders go undetected, they can lead to delayed sensory and social development, learning disabilities and permanent loss of vision or blindness.

Playing some simple games can help with vision screening. Games that include color testing as in Pseudo-Isochromatic Plates (colored circles with a different colored number in the center), optical illusions, and the simple which way is the E pointing. The ABC’s of vision screening are easy to accomplish at home for the novice. If any of the ABC’s are noticed make an appointment for a professional eye exam. A is for Appearance. Look at the eye and if the eyes appear, white in the pupil, watery, red, crusty, crossed or turned, and droopy eyelids. Do not forget injuries to the eye such as bloodshot, bruised or swollen.

B is for Behavior. The individual will exhibit any of these behaviors including blinking, daydreaming, squinting, rubbing the eye, use of one at a time, placing objects very close to the face or eye, tilting of the head, trouble walking (tripping, stumbling). C is for Complaint. Does the person complain about any of the following: blurred vision, eye irritation (burning, itching, scratching), dizziness, seeing double, headaches, nausea, light sensitivity and words that jump around the paper.