National Eye Exam Month:
Vision Screen vs. Eye Exam
August is National Eye Exam Month, serving as a reminder of the importance of booking regular eye exams.
Do you remember the last time that you had an eye exam? Many Canadians can’t remember, and that’s a problem!
Did You Know?
50% of Canadians have not had an eye exam in five years or more[1]
200 Canadian workers suffer eye injuries daily[2]
40% of Canadians in the workplace do not get needed visual aids[3]
75% of vision loss can be treated or prevented, but without the vision health information they need, hundreds of thousands of Canadians unknowingly live with eye disease and may needlessly lose their vision[4]
Vision Screen vs. Eye Exam
Are a vision screen and an eye exam the same thing? No, they are not.
Vision screenings are a type of diagnostic test that can help detect subnormal visual acuity and major vision problems. They are not a substitute for an eye exam and cannot diagnose vision problems or eye diseases. [5]
Vision screening is a great tool for employers because it can help them determine whether or not an employee is fit for the job that they are performing. For example, a driver would most likely have a vision screen to ensure that they are able to accurately see the road and other objects around them.
Vision screening is also a quick and cost-effective way for employers to keep an eye on their employees’ vision. If an employee were to fail their vision screen, or if their vision has changed drastically from their baseline test, then they would be advised to visit an eye doctor.
Eye exams are more comprehensive and are performed by licensed eye doctors. The eye doctor will check out more than just visual acuity, they will look at the complete health of your eyes. This includes looking for early signs of glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and detached retina.[6]
As you can see, there is a large difference between a vision screen and an eye exam. It is extremely important for individuals to schedule regular eye exams with an eye doctor. This will help detect diseases that could ultimately result in vision loss, something that a vision screening cannot do.
How often should you be scheduling an eye exam?
According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO), the recommendations for eye exams are below:
| Adults (20 to 39 years) | Adults aged 20 to 39 years should undergo an eye examination every 2 to 3 years. |
| Adults (40 to 64 years) | Adults aged 40 to 64 years should undergo an eye examination every 2 years. |
| Adults (65 years +) | Adults aged 65 years or older should undergo an eye examination annually. |
What can I do to aid in prevention?
- Visit an eye care professional regularly
– this helps increase the chance of getting early diagnosis of eye disease - Wear UV-protective sunglasses
- Take vitamins
- Quit smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Control diabetes
- Maintain a healthy diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and dark, leafy greens[8]
- Know your family’s eye health history
- Give your eyes a rest
– Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look about 20 feet away from whatever you have been focusing on, for 20 seconds. - Practice workplace eye safety[9]
Your vision is important to you for many reasons, do not take it for granted. Book regular eye exams to catch problems before they get worse.
Apex Occupational Health and Wellness works with organizations to create custom surveillance programs, including vision screening for all employees. Contact us today to learn more.
Sources:
[1] http://www.cos-sco.ca/cos_news/put-eye-exams-on-your-to-do-list-say-experts/
[2] http://www.cos-sco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/VisionLossinCanada_e.pdf
[3] http://www.cos-sco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/VisionLossinCanada_e.pdf
[4] http://www.cnib.ca/en/about/media/vision-loss/pages/default.aspx
[5] http://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-exam/importance.htm
[6] http://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-exam/importance.htm
[7] https://opto.ca/health-library/frequency-of-eye-examinations
[8] http://www.cnib.ca/en/about/media/vision-loss/pages/default.aspx