Comprehensive Eye Exam vs. Vision Screening: What’s the Difference?

Caring for your vision and eyes is essential for your overall health and well-being. Vision screens and eye exams can help detect vision or eye issues early. It helps to address the issues before they become severe. Vision screening is a simple test that checks vision, while an eye exam is a more detailed eye health check. Both are necessary to maintain good eye health.
 

Getting a Vision Screening

Vision screening is a simple test that a nurse, family doctor, or any health practitioner can conduct. The basic test involves a chart that can determine whether the patient has a vision problem.
 

The test can detect a vision issue but will not provide an exact diagnosis. It can identify low or reduced vision and eye conditions resulting in vision loss. The basic screening test is simple, quick, and does not require specialized equipment. If an issue is detected, the care provider refers the patient to an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
 

Comprehensive eye exam

A comprehensive eye exam is detailed and checks the patient’s vision and eye health. Optometrists or ophthalmologists conduct eye exams. The eye doctors have specialized training to detect and treat various eye problems. They can diagnose vision and eye problems and determine the underlying cause. The exam can diagnose refractive errors and eye diseases, such as:
 

• Cataracts

• Macular degeneration

• Glaucoma

• Amblyopia

• Strabismus

• Convergence insufficiency
   

An eye exam can help confirm the results of vision screening.
 

Vision Screening Procedure

The individuals conducting vision screenings must have the training to use age-appropriate methods and devices. The experts test visual acuity and perform other tests. Visual acuity testing determines how well the patient can read or identify letters or shapes from each eye.
 

Besides visual acuity, the practitioners check the eyes and pupils using a special light. Photoscreening involves using a special camera to look for disorders such as refractive errors and other vision abnormalities.
 

Comprehensive eye exam procedure

To begin the eye exam, the optometrist or ophthalmologist will assess the patient’s family and medical history. Many eye conditions tend to be hereditary. A comprehensive exam includes a detailed examination of the pupils and external eye structures.
 

Tests include refraction testing, visual acuity, a dilated eye exam, peripheral vision, color vision, ocular alignment, and eye pressure. Comprehensive eye exams vary depending on the patient’s age and eye condition.
 

Eye Exam vs. Vision Screening

Poor vision is a common problem among people of all ages. Studies suggest approximately one in four children in the country has undiagnosed and untreated vision problems. Vision screening and eye exams can help prevent vision loss or blindness. Both are helpful for good eye health.
 

The differences are in the scope, the methods or equipment used, and the person conducting the tests. Technicians can conduct vision screenings in schools and other convenient locations. Eye exams require specialized equipment; doctors perform them in hospitals or dental clinics.
 

Regular vision screenings and eye exams are essential for maintaining optimal eye health. Healthy vision is vital for learning and child development. Detecting and treating eye disorders early can help prevent vision loss. It is necessary to know that vision screenings do not provide the whole story and are inadequate for overall eye health.
 

For more on the difference between comprehensive eye exams and vision screening, visit Annandale EyeCare at our office in Annandale, Virginia. Call (703) 941-4111 to schedule an appointment today.