Visual screening in preschool is a crucial step to ensure that children have good visual acuity, an essential condition for their harmonious development and learning.
Being able to see properly also means being able to learn, play, and grow: which is why this screening is so important from preschool age.
Visual screening in preschool plays a key role in preventing eye disorders in children.
At this age, visual development is still ongoing, and certain anomalies can go unnoticed without a proper eye examination.
A child may have a congenital or hereditary visual disorder without showing obvious symptoms.
The goal is therefore to detect any vision abnormalities early, before they can affect eye health and learning.
During the eye exam, an ophthalmologist or orthoptist assesses several parameters: the ability to understand near and far vision, shape and color recognition, as well as eye coordination.
Simple vision tests, such as recognizing pictures or symbols, help detect myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism in young children.
These vision exams are quick and painless and are often conducted with playful tools adapted to young children.
If an eye disorder is detected, a more comprehensive eye examination will be recommended by an ophthalmologist.
In case of reduced visual health, the child may need to wear prescription glasses to correct their vision and prevent headaches or eye strain.
Preschool visual screening helps ensure good vision from an early age and supports learning without visual discomfort.
This screening is generally carried out by ophthalmologists or orthoptists to identify vision disorders early and take appropriate action. During an ophthalmologic exam, several aspects are evaluated.
The ophthalmologist or orthoptist assesses the retina, cornea, and lens to determine if any abnormalities are present.
Refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism can affect the quality of the images perceived by the eyeball and, consequently, the child’s neurodevelopment.
Preschool visual screening therefore plays a key role in children’s eye health!
These visual defects, often corrected with specific contact lenses or glasses, can cause focusing problems and visual fatigue in young children who are not properly equipped.
Screening usually begins with simple tests measuring visual acuity in each eye, both for near and distant vision.
Age-appropriate visual charts are commonly used.
The evaluation may also include binocular vision tests to check eye convergence and coordination.
Possible damage to the optic nerves or other eye structures, such as the visual field, can also be examined.
Preschool visual screening may also involve more advanced tests, including retinal and macular examinations, where the ophthalmologist can identify conditions such as macular degeneration (AMD) or vascular retinopathy.
Eye care professionals aim to detect disorders such as amblyopia, which can result from strabismus or another uncorrected visual defect.
In addition, a family history of eye disorders or conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or juvenile glaucoma may indicate an increased risk of visual abnormalities in the child.
The results of the exams help establish a prescription for glasses or contact lenses suited to the child’s specific needs.
If vision disorders are detected, visual rehabilitation with an orthoptist may be recommended.
This therapy aims to improve the child’s visual function through tailored exercises, helping them develop proper color vision and good shape perception.
Early and systematic visual screening in preschool is essential to ensure that children with eye disorders receive prompt care. Thanks to early detection,
it is possible to provide optical corrections that improve visual acuity and help prevent long-term vision problems.
