The importance of eye health can't be underestimated. It has a profound impact on our daily life, well-being, and overall health. Regular eye care and early intervention are both essential for preserving vision and preventing the development of serious eye conditions.
You might be surprised to learn that vision screening and eye exams are two different approaches to assessing visual health, each serving different purposes.
What is vision screening?
Vision screening is a simple and relatively short exam used to identify potential vision problems or abnormalities. Vision screening can't diagnose what is wrong with a patient’s eyes, instead its goal is to detect diminished eyesight and eye disorders that could potentially lead to vision loss.
A vision screening test doesn't require specialised training and/or equipment. A school nurse, family doctor, occupational health nurse/ technician, or other certified health care professional can conduct the test. Then an ophthalmologist or optometrist can conduct a more comprehensive eye exam if they find any issues.
Vision screenings are often performed periodically. Vision screening in schools or occupational health settings is especially important to detect potential vision problems early.
What is an eye exam?
An eye examination is a detailed series of tests performed to assess vision and the ability to focus on and discern objects. It also includes other tests and exams linked to the eyes. An eye examination is typically performed by an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or orthoptist.
Eye exams involve a series of comprehensive tests and procedures, which may include visual acuity testing, assessment of eye health (including the retina and optic nerve), assessment of eye muscle coordination, and measurement of intraocular pressure (the fluid pressure inside the eye).
During an eye exam, optometrists use specialist equipment such as phoropters, ophthalmoscopes, and slit lamps. Regular eye exams are recommended, with the frequency depending on an individual's age and risk factors. A comprehensive eye exam can diagnose important problems such as:
| Age-related macular degeneration |
Amblyopia (lazy eye) |
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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that affects the middle part of your vision. It usually first impacts people in their 50s and 60s. It doesn't cause total blindness, but it can make everyday activities more difficult, such as reading and recognising faces.
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Lazy eye (amblyopia) is reduced vision in one eye caused by abnormal visual development early in life. The weaker, or lazy eye, often wanders inward or outward. Amblyopia generally develops from birth up to age 7 years and it's the leading cause of decreased vision among children.
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| Cataracts |
Convergence insufficiency |
| The lens inside the eye gets cloudy, reducing vision. Cataracts are common in older people, but children can have cataracts because of infections, injuries, or metabolic disorders. |
This disorder prevents the eyes from working together when looking at near objects. It causes difficulty when reading a book or digital devices. |
| Diabetic retinopathy |
Glaucoma |
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Diabetic retinopathy is a problem that can happen with diabetes. It's caused by high levels of sugar in the blood that damage the back of the eye (retina). It can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated.
However, it usually takes several years for diabetic retinopathy to reach a stage where it could threaten your sight.
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Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. Fluid buildup in the front part of the eye usually causes it, increasing pressure inside the eye. |
| Refractive errors |
Strabismus (crossed eyes) |
Refractive errors are a type of vision problem that makes it hard to see clearly. This happens when the shape of the eye keeps light from focusing correctly on the retina (a light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye). Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem.
This group of disorders includes myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (a disorder of the cornea's shape that impairs vision).
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Strabismus is a vision disorder in which the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. The eye that points at an object can alternate. This condition might only show up occasionally or be constantly present.
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Vision screening vs eye examination
Vision screening is a quick and basic assessment designed to identify potential vision issues. These assessments will often detect eye problems in the early stages but may fail to show significant eye conditions.
Vision screening is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. It's completed with simple equipment, limited time, and is aimed at:
- Recognising individuals who are more likely to develop an eye condition
- Early identification of eye diseases when they are readily treatable
- Offering education on vision and eye health
In contrast, an eye exam is a comprehensive and detailed evaluation performed by an eye care professional to diagnose and address various eye conditions and assess overall eye health. An eye exam will diagnose any eye problem and prescribe corrective treatment such as glasses or contact lenses.
Industry-leading vision testers
We supply innovative PC-based desktop vision testers designed to provide occupational health experts with a class-leading vision screening programme.
Our vision testers provide a full-range of testing parameters to support all occupational vision screening requirements. Compact and portable, they provide significant improvements in workflow and time management for healthcare professionals.
For more information on our vision equipment please visit our vision testers webpage, contact our customer support team on +44 (0)1865 880 846 or email.
References
Optometrists Network, Vision Screening vs Eye Exam: What’s the Difference? (Dec 2021). Accessed at: https://www.optometrists.org/childrens-vision/vision-for-school/vision-screening-vs-eye-exam-whats-the-difference/