Are you at risk of eye disease? Do you think you may have a vision problem? Learn what you need to know about testing your eyesight.
It is possible to have a serious vision problem and not know it. Vision problems that are left undetected and untreated may lead to vision loss and in some cases blindness. Early detection is the key to minimizing vision loss. If you think you have a vision problem, the best thing to do is call your eye doctor right away for a complete eye exam.
Are You At Risk of a Vision Problem?
This self assessment will help you determine whether you are at risk for age-related eye disease.
If You Think You Have a Vision Problem, Get an Eye Exam
At a complete eye exam, called a dilated eye exam, the eye doctor widens the pupil of the eye with eye drops to allow a closer look at the inside of the eye. This exam may not be part of an eye exam for a new pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Be sure to ask your eye doctor for a dilated eye exam.
Checking for Signs of a Vision Problem
Be aware of changes in the appearance of your eyes and changes in how you see. Early detection of eye problems is key to preventing vision loss.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Test – Amsler Grid
The purpose of this test is for adults to check for age-related macular degeneration using an Amsler Grid pattern.
Testing Near Vision and Distance Vision
Prevent Blindness does NOT recommend that you try to test your near vision or distance vision at home. If you think you have a vision problem, see an eye doctor (an optometrist or ophthalmologist) who can diagnose and treat vision problems. Vision loss can often be prevented when eye disease is found and treated early.
Children’s Vision Screening at Prevent Blindness
Prevent Blindness has the only national certification program for children’s vision screening. For decades, Prevent Blindness and its affiliates and partner organization have trained volunteers and medical staff as certified children’s vision screeners. You may be interested in our training course if you are:
- Head Start Program Staff
- Medical Assistant
- Nurses/School Nurse
- Public Health Nurses
- Primary Healthcare Provider
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Physician Assistant in Pediatrics
- Early Care and Education Staff
- Home Visiting Program Staff
- Community Volunteer
Follow the link to find out more about the Prevent Blindness Children’s Vision Screening Certification Course.
