A New Way to Test Near and Far Vision

Remember the E-Chart used by the school nurse to test your vision? This 129-year-old vision screening method effectively tests the ability to see high-contrast black lettering on a white background. When you consider, however, that not much of the world is black and white, the need for vision screening that tests "contrast sensitivity" becomes clear. Contrast sensitivity testing evaluates the ability to see variances in shading and size, representative of the everyday world. This unique screening method can be easily self-administered at home and is being offered free of charge by Pearle Vision, the nation's largest eyewear retailer.

Contrast sensitivity testing was initially used by the Air Force to determine why pilots varied so dramatically in their ability to detect targets, even though they all had 20/20 vision. The screening method is helpful in measuring real world visual situations such as the ability to see road signs at dusk, faces in a crowd or a golf ball soaring down the fairway.

To test near and distance vision, a person looks at a chart that contains stripes of various widths and shades of gray from 18 inches and 10 feet away. He or she then indicates whether the stripes are straight or slanted to the left or right. The results determine if the person is deficient in near or far vision acuity.

Pearle Vision recently utilized contrast sensitivity screening to test nearly 2,000 children at Boys & Girls Clubs in five cities. The screenings were part of Pearle's Focus On America's Youth program, which provides eyecare and eyewear to disadvantaged children. Children who failed the vision screening were referred to optometrists located next to Pearle Vision stores for a free comprehensive eye exam and, if required, the children received complimentary glasses.

"The contrast sensitivity test is an example of the advances in optometric evaluation techniques," explained Stanley C. Pearle, O.D., founder of Pearle Vision. "Remember, however, these vision screening cards do not test for possible health-related eye disorders or diseases, and no screening technique takes the place of an annual eye exam by a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist." (NAPSI)

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