Chapter 13 Eye and Ear Exams and Procedures



Chapter 13 Eye and Ear Exams and Procedures

Other Vision Screening Tests

There are many screening tests performed to detect a variety of vision problems. Other screening procedures include the following:

• Pinhole Test: The patient looks at an object through a small hole (pinhole). By looking through the hole, it limits the light rays observed to those reflected back directly from the object. If vision improves by this method, it indicates that the patient's vision can be improved with corrective lenses.

• Confrontation Test: This is a simple and easy screening that helps the physician to establish a patient's visual field. The patient is instructed to stare at a certain point, such as the top of the physician's ear, while the doctor moves an object, like a pen or his finger, to different positions within the patient's visual field.

• Perimetry Testing: A perimeter is a bowl-shaped instrument that tests a patient's peripheral vision with a series of flashing lights. The patient is instructed to stare into the center of the instrument during the test and to move only their eyes, not their whole head. A series of flashing lights appears in different positions and the patient is instructed to press a button each time they observe a flash. A computer records the position of the flash, and renders a printout following the test. A manual version may also be conducted by simply moving a light target to different locations.

• Tangent Screen: This is a variation of the perimetry test which identifies defects in the visual field. This test is administered by instructing the patient to observe the position of a white target object on a black field.

• Amsler Grid Test: This test is for macular degeneration, which causes a loss of vision in the central area. The patient is instructed to focus on a small area with grid lines that form a box. If a disturbance or defect in the lines is observed by the patient it suggests retinal damage or fluid under the retina.

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