Research reveals that many people see pediatric eye exams and school vision screenings as the same thing. But the American Academy of Ophthalmology stresses that these two eye tests are different from each other. Knowing the differences between them can motivate you to seek the right test for your child’s eye health needs. Here are the details.

How a Pediatric Eye Exam Is Different

Studies show that about 25% of children in the United States live with vision issues. A pediatric eye exam is different from a school vision screening because it can detect these eye problems. An eye doctor for kids will perform the exam with specific tools and equipment. Here are some of the areas that an eye doctor must test for:

• Eye turn testing will reveal if your child’s eyes turn in a natural manner. Strabismus is a common cause of eye turns in children. This condition often occurs in babies and three-year-old kids. In some cases, older children can develop this eye disorder as well. Once a pediatric eye exam detects eye turns, early treatment must happen right away.
• Visual acuity testing will see if the child has sharp or clear vision. 20/20 vision means that the child can see normal, clear images at 20 feet. This test will include eye coordination, side vision, and focus exams.
• Color vision testing is also referred to as the Ishihara color test. This test measures the child’s ability to see the difference among various colors. Poor color vision test results could mean that the child is color blind. True color blindness is a condition in which the child sees in shades of gray. Poor color vision may be a result of chemical exposure, genetics, and illnesses, as well as aging and medications. Most people who have this condition have inherited it. Optic nerve damage and problems with the retinal cones may also cause color blindness.
• Lazy eye testing will determine if the child has a wandering eye. The eye doctor will need to dilate the child’s eyes. This is possible by using eye drops that can blur the child’s vision. The blurriness often lasts for many hours or even for a whole day.

How School Vision Screenings Are Different

The goal of these screenings is to spot the different vision issues that can affect the child’s academic performance. Research shows that most people believe that a pediatric eye exam and school vision screenings give the same results. In truth, relying on these screenings alone can result in many complications for your child. They can only uncover severe nearsightedness or a lazy eye. It cannot spot most visual issues in children.

Passing school vision screenings does not mean that your child has 20/20 vision. You will still need to bring your child to an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. Believing that these screenings reveal perfect vision can prevent the detection of other eye problems. It can also prevent your child from receiving early treatment.

Pediatric eye exams provide more accurate results than school vision screenings. At Premier Eye Care, we help parents provide high-level pediatric eye care products and services. Visit our clinic in Fort Worth, Texas, for a consultation. Please call 817-428-2020 to set an appointment or ask about our pediatric eye exam packages.