What does the cover/uncover test screen for?

The cover/uncover test is primarily used to screen for strabismus, which is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. During the test, one eye is covered while the other eye is observed for movement. If there is a deviation in the uncovered eye, it indicates that the eyes are not aligned correctly, which is characteristic of strabismus.

This test is particularly important in pediatric assessments, as early detection of strabismus can prevent amblyopia, or "lazy eye," which can develop when the brain starts to ignore input from the misaligned eye. Detecting this condition early allows for timely interventions that can help to correct the misalignment and improve visual outcomes.

The other choices relate to different visual impairments or conditions but do not involve the mechanics of the cover/uncover test specifically. For instance, color blindness is assessed using different methods such as Ishihara plates, and visual acuity is typically measured with Snellen charts. Cataracts are diagnosed through a clinical examination of the eye's lens and do not involve the cover/uncover test.