Vision Tests: Why It Is Done

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Why It Is Done

Visual acuity tests may be done:

• As part of a routine eye exam to screen for vision problems. How often you should have routine eye exams changes as you age:
  • Once between the ages of 3 and 5
  • Before a child begins first grade, then every 2 years
  • Once between the ages of 20 and 29
  • Twice between the ages of 30 and 39
  • Every 2 to 4 years between the ages of 40 and 65
  • Every 1 to 2 years after age 65
• To monitor an eye problem, such as diabetic retinopathy.
• To determine if you need glasses or contact lenses to improve your vision.
• After an injury to the eye.
• When you obtain or renew your driver's license or for some types of employment.

Refraction is done:

• To determine the correct prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Visual field tests may be done:

• To check for vision loss in any area of your visual field.
• To screen for eye diseases, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma, which cause gaps in the visual field.
• To look for damage to the nerves of the eye following a stroke, head injury, or other condition that causes reduced blood flow to the brain.

Color vision tests may be done:

• As part of a routine eye examination.
• To screen for or diagnose color blindness.
• To screen applicants for jobs in which color perception is important, such as truck driving, electronics, or the military.

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