Vision Tests: What To Think About

Content provided by Healthwise

What To Think About

• Eye charts that use pictures or symbols (such as an E chart) may be needed to test children or people who cannot read. Vision tests are also available for babies and young children.
• Routine vision testing is usually a part of every general physical examination during childhood. Schedule routine vision checks and eye examinations with an ophthalmologist or optometrist. For more information, see the topic Nearsightedness (Myopia).
  • Eye exams for babies
  • Eye exams for children and teenagers
  • Eye exams for adults
• A complete eye and vision evaluation also includes a physical examination of the structures inside the eye. For more information, see the medical test Ophthalmoscopy.
• A test to screen for increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which increases your risk for glaucoma, is often part of a routine eye examination. It also is used to monitor treatment for glaucoma. Tonometry can be used to determine whether a medicine is keeping your IOP below a set target pressure determined by your doctor. For more information, see the medical test Tonometry.
• Home tests for near vision in adults and distance vision in children are available. These tests should not replace a thorough eye examination by a health professional.

Last updated:	July 06, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer