Types of Visual Screening Tests
In order to evaluate your child's vision, your child's physician will
perform a history and physical, including a complete examination of the
eyes. There are also many different types of vision tests that can be used
to check your child's ability to see. Some of them can be used at any age,
while some of them are used based on your child's age and understanding.
The following are some types of visual screening tests:
Visual screening tests for an infant:
The following are some of the ways in which your infant's vision can be
tested:
- response to light
An infant will blink in response to a bright light.
- pupil response
Measuring the response of the pupil (the black center part of the eye)
to shining a penlight in the eye is one way to test an infant's vision.
- ability to follow a target
The most common vision acuity test in infants is a test to check their
ability to look at and follow an object or toy.
- visually evoked response testing
These are tests that stimulate the eyes with either a bright light or
special pattern. The infant is connected to a special monitor with
attachments on the infant's head. The machine then records electrical
activity in the brain as the lights and patterns are shown to infants.
Visual screening tests for an older infant and
toddler:
Many of the above tests may be performed, in addition to the following:
- cover/uncover test
This test looks for movement and alignment of the eyes that may
occur when a child is focusing on an object. One eye is covered with an
opaque card while the child stares straight ahead, at which time the
examiner observes the uncovered eye.
Visual screening tests for a preschooler:
Some of the same tests that are used for the toddler, in addition to the
following, may be used, usually around the age of 3:
- visual acuity tests
Specific tests and charts may be used to measure both near and
distant vision. In the preschooler, these charts may consist of pictures
or stories instead of letters of the alphabet.
- color testing
This test helps determine color blindness in a child.
Visual screening tests for a school-aged children and
adults:
In this age group, formal vision tests can be completed with special
charts or instruments that aid with testing vision. Both near and far
vision can be evaluated.
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