Discover Eye Care: Eye Exams vs Screenings

admin July 28, 2017 Emporium, eyecare, eyes, ilink Optometrists

It is important to know the difference between a comprehensive eye examination and a basic vision screening.

Vision Screenings:
• Only takes a few minutes
• Not a comprehensive examination
• Not always done by professionals
• Only detect major vision problems (visual acuity)
• Can be ineffective to detect more serious sight threatening diseases
• Can give false positive results
• No prescription given for spectacles / contact lenses etc.

Eye Exams:
• Comprehensive visual examination
• Done by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist
• An average of 30 min per consultation
• Monitor eye health – glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachments etc.
• Health problems like diabetes and hypertension can be detected
• Prescription for spectacles / contact lenses etc.

Let’s look at children’s vision
Studies show that 1 in 4 children have visual problems. This is an important fact as we normally use our eyes for about 80% of what we learn in school. It is therefore essential for a child to have good vision to reach their academic potential during school going years. Any undetected visual problems can thus have a profound effect on learning.

These days most children are making use of a lot more digital devices which puts more strain on the eyes. This is also causing an increase in myopia (nearsightedness) among children across the world.

When your child passes a visual screening (at school or at any practice) it does not mean your child’s vision is perfect and therefore it is extremely important to have their eyes examined routinely to identify and possibly treat the underlying vision problems.

What about adults?
There seems to be a higher risk of developing certain eye conditions as we get older. Macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are just some of the most common causes of blindness. Having regular comprehensive eye examinations can help to prevent or reduce vision loss caused by these conditions if diagnosed and treated early enough. We advise adults to a comprehensive eye examination at least every two years and over 60’s are advised to have an annual eye exam.