Sharpness of vision or visual acuity is recorded as a fraction, e.g. 20/20.  This means that a person can read a line of type standing 20 feet (or six meters) from an eye chart.

Vision Screenings can Detect a Variety of Conditions:

• Nearsightedness or myopia - the eye can focus on close images but not on distant images.  Eyeglasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery can correct this condition.
• Farsightedness or hyperopia - the eyes can focus on distant images but not on close images.  Eyeglasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery can correct this condition.
• Astigmatism - visual distortion of both close and distant images. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery can correct this condition.
• Presbyopia - a reduction in the ability to adjust from distant and/or close images.  This condition cannot be corrected.  It is a normal condition of aging.
• Amblyopia or lazy eye - in young children (under age five), caused by: a misalignment of the muscles controlling eye movement; a focusing disorder; or a cataract.  The child relies on his/her good eye for vision.  
• Glaucoma - a variety of diseases of the eye characterized by increased pressure within the eye. This pressure destroys the optic nerve. Click here for more information about glaucoma. Medication, incisional surgery, or laser surgery can correct this condition.
• Cataract - a cloudy or opaque areas in the lens of the eye caused by a change in the chemical composition of the eye lens.  Click here for more information about cataracts.  Surgery can correct this condition.

Lions clubs often conduct free vision screenings. Often, the screenings are performed by Lions who are eye care professionals. Some Lions districts have their own mobile van for vision screenings. In other instances, clubs arrange with local hospitals or health departments for an eye care professional to perform the screenings.

Children should have their vision tested at age three.  Indicators of vision problems in children include:

• attempts to brush away blurred vision
• blinking more than usual
• rubbing eyes frequently
• squinting when focusing on distant objects
• frowning excessively or tilting of the head from one side
• stumbling over small objects
• sensitivity to light
• red, swollen, or encrusted eyelids
• recurring sties in the eyes
• inflamed or watery eyes

For more information, contact the Program Development Department at Lions Clubs International Headquarters at: programs@lionsclubs.org