Vision screening is an efficient and cost-effective method to identify children with visual impairment or eye conditions that are likely to lead to visual impairment so that a referral can be made to an appropriate eye care professional for further evaluation and treatment.
There are a number of methods used to screen a child's vision. The method chosen is largely dependent on the age of the child being screened and the experience of the examiner. Several methods of vision screening are discussed below:
This method can be used on children of all ages. At each well child visit, the examiner uses a flashlight to inspect the eyes for abnormality of shape or structure and to detect irregularity in pupil shape. The pupil constricts (become smaller) in bright light and dilates (become larger) in the dark, and both pupils are the same size. An ophthalmoscope is used to observe the red reflex of the eye. The red reflex is a reflection from the lining of the inside of the eye that causes the pupil to look red in photographs. The red reflex should be bright in both eyes and equal.
This is an automated technique that uses the red reflex to identify many types of eye problems. An advantage of this screening is that it is quick and thus useful in very young children. The newest generation of photoscreeners provide immediate information about the eye condition. There may be an extra fee for this testing when performed at a doctor's office. Some community screenings use this method.
This simple test can be performed on any child using a penlight. As a child focuses on a penlight, the position of the light reflection from the front surface (cornea) of the eye is observed. The test is accurate only if the child looks directly at the light and not to the side. Normally the corneal light reflex is in sharp focus and centered on both pupils. The test is abnormal if the corneal light reflex is not crisp and clear or if it is "off-center."
This test detects misalignment of the eyes. While the child focuses on a target, the examiner covers each eye sequentially to look for a "shift" in the alignment of the eyes. This test requires a cooperative child (usually 3 years or older) and an experienced examiner.
The use of an eye chart requires a cooperative child, so successful testing is greatest with children 3 years and older. Since it is the only screening method that directly measures visual acuity, it is the preferred exam for older children. Modifications of the adult eye chart make it easier to test children. For example, the 20-foot testing distance is often shortened to 10 feet, and pictures or shapes can be used in place of letters. It is important to test each eye separately and to verify that the child is not "peeking" with the other eye.
The main goal of vision screening is to identify children who have or are at risk of developing amblyopia, which can lead to permanent visual impairment unless treated in early childhood. Other problems that can be detected by vision screening include strabismus (eye misalignment), cataracts, glaucoma, ptosis (drooping eyelid), refractive errors such as myopia ("nearsightedness"), hyperopia ("farsightedness") and astigmatism, and other more serious conditions such as tumors or neurological diseases.
Pediatricians, family practitioners, nurses and technicians can perform vision screening at regular well care office visits. In addition, many day care programs, churches, schools and health departments offer vision screening programs for children.
Vision screening is most effective when performed periodically throughout childhood. The earlier a problem is detected, the better the chance to obtain maximal vision through appropriate treatment. The first vision screening takes place in the newborn nursery when the doctor or practitioner inspects the newborn's eye, pupil and red reflex. The child's practitioner continues to perform age appropriate vision screenings throughout infancy and childhood
In some states a documented vision screening or comprehensive eye examination is required before beginning school.
Vision screening is more efficient and cost effective (which allows many more children to be examined) than a complete examination on every child. Only about 2 to 4% of children have an eye problem that requires treatment, so it is not practical to perform a comprehensive eye examination on every child. In addition, some problems are missed on a one-time comprehensive eye examination, so it is preferable to have several screenings performed over time. Also, mandated comprehensive eye examinations likely result in glasses being prescribed unnecessarily for many children.
Nevertheless, if a child has known risk factors for eye disease, if there is a family history of pediatric eye disease, or if a child has signs or symptoms suspicious for a vision problem, it is reasonable and appropriate for a child to have a comprehensive eye examination.
If a child fails a vision screening at any age, the child should be referred for a comprehensive eye examination. By age 3 or 4 years, most children are able to cooperate for subjective visual acuity testing using an eye chart. If a child is unable to cooperate for visual acuity testing at age 3, a second attempt should be made within 6 months, if the child is age 4, a second attempt should be made within one month. If retesting is impossible or inconclusive, then the child should be referred for a comprehensive eye examination.
Vision Screening Recommendations provided by the Vision Screening Committee of AAPOS
Age |
Tests |
Referral Criteria Comments |
| Newborn to 12 months |
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| 12 to 36 months |
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| 36 months to 5 years |
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Visual acuity thresholds
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| 5 years and older* *Repeat screening every 1-2 years after age 5. |
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An ophthalmologist can detect the need for glasses through a complete eye exam. Typically, the pupils are dilated in order to relax the focusing muscles, so that an accurate measurement can be obtained. By using a special instrument, called a retinoscope, your eye doctor can arrive at an accurate prescription. The ophthalmologist will then advise parents whether there is a need for glasses, or whether the condition can be monitored.
Children may need glasses for several reasons—some of which are different than for adults. Because a child’s vision system is growing and developing, especially during the first 5-6 years of life, glasses may play an important role in insuring normal vision development.
Reference: American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
