How to Read Letters During an Eye Exam

Our eyes are among the most important parts of the body. Specialists recommend that we schedule an eye exam annually for adults and more frequently for younger children. Because our vision changes as we get older, it is advisable to make sure your lenses are up to date. Reading an eye chart is one of the simplest ways to determine the strength of your vision. By learning how to do it correctly, you will be able to have a much more successful exam.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep one eye covered. When reading with one eye it is strongly recommended to not peek or remove the covering, as this will give you an inaccurate vision assessment.

• 2

  Relax the eyes. Do not squint or force your eyes to improve your vision. This is not a good thing to do, and the vision test will not be as clear.

• 3

  Be forthright with your answers. Say "Yes" or "No" when the eye specialist asks you which lenses allow you to see better. Ask to try a particular lens again if you are not sure. Avoid saying "I don't know" or "Maybe." This will make it difficult for the eye specialist to find the right set of lenses for you.

• 4

  Read what you are able to see. Do not feel like you have to read the smallest letters on the screen. Tell the eye specialist if you are unable to read a line or if it is too easy to read.

• 5

  Clear your mind. Do not try to memorize the letters on the chart. Memorizing letters when you are not able to see them will only skew your vision assessment.