If the last time you had your vision checked was with an eye chart, you might be surprised by the advancements that have been made in vision screening technology. Eyecare has come a long way and it’s easier than ever to get your eyesight checked and receive quick, accurate results. However, vision test results can be a little confusing at first. Here’s how to understand your vision screening results so you can take the next step forward in your eye care journey with confidence.
Purpose of a Vision Test
There are many different kinds of vision tests that rely on screening technology to assess the overall functionality and health of your eyes. Your optometrist might conduct an exam if you notice your eyesight is becoming a little blurry or if you have difficulty reading letters from a distance. Along with diagnosing issues related to your vision, these exams can also detect eye degeneration, which can lead to blindness. It’s important to schedule routine eye exams to maintain the quality of your vision and stay on top of any developing issues that could be addressed with corrective measures like contact lenses or surgery.
What is a Vision Acuity Test?
One type of test you might encounter is called a vision acuity test. This assessment checks how well your eyes are able to discern shapes and details, the extent of your peripheral vision, and color perception. Visual acuity exams are conducted by optometrists, opticians, ophthalmologists, technicians, and nurses and can be thought of as the baseline for eye exams since they are relatively simple. There’s no risk associated with this test and patients do not need to take any special measures to prepare for an acuity test.
What is a Spot Test?
Unlike the visual acuity test, spot tests are more advanced and use the latest vision screeners. With a small handheld device, your optometrist will examine your eye using infrared lights to search for common issues like myopia, astigmatism, and refractive errors among other problems. Spot tests are fast and easy and can be completed in a matter of seconds, making them ideal for fidgety children.
Reading Your Test Results
You’ve probably heard of 20/20 vision before. This is actually derived from the visual acuity test, which uses fractions to label the strength and quality of your eyesight. In this case, the person would have normal visual acuity when they are placed twenty feet away from an object. As the fractions move away from 20/20, you’re more likely to need corrective eyewear like glasses or contact to account for nearsightedness and farsightedness.
As for spot tests, the exam results can be a little more complicated to understand. Typically, you’ll be given a one-page summary of the results which will either recommend an additional eye exam or corrective eyewear. If you have difficulty reading these results, your optometrist can help answer any of your questions.
Routine vision screenings can help to maintain your eyesight and the health of your eyes for decades. At Depisteo, we offer exceptional vision exams conducted by experienced professionals using the latest in eyecare technology.
