How to Check Your Vision

How to Check Your Vision at Home

There are a few simple ways to check your vision at home. These tests can help you determine if you may need to see an eye doctor for a comprehensive exam.

1. Snellen eye chart test

The Snellen eye chart is the most common way to check your vision at home. It consists of rows of letters that get smaller and smaller.

Here’s how to use a Snellen eye chart:

- Stand 20 feet away from the chart.

- Cover one eye and use the other to read the chart.

- Start with the top row of letters and read down the chart as far as you can.

- Repeat for the other eye.

What your results mean:

- If you can read the smallest letters on the chart, your vision is considered normal.

- If you can’t read some of the letters, your vision may be impaired and you should see an eye doctor.

2. Cover test

The cover test checks for strabismus, a condition in which the eyes do not point in the same direction.

Here’s how to do a cover test:

- Stand in front of a mirror and look straight ahead.

- Cover one eye with your hand and look at your reflection in the mirror.

- Your uncovered eye should be looking at the center of your covered eye.

- Repeat with the other eye.

What your results mean:

- If your uncovered eye moves when you cover the other eye, you may have strabismus and should see an eye doctor.

3. Color vision test

Color vision tests check for colorblindness, a condition in which a person cannot distinguish between certain colors.

Here’s how to do a color vision test:

- Look at a series of colored plates.

- Each plate has a number hidden in the design.

- If you can see the numbers, your color vision is normal.

- If you can’t see the numbers, you may be colorblind and should see an eye doctor.

4. Near vision test

The near vision test checks your ability to see things up close, such as when you are reading.

Here’s how to do a near vision test:

- Hold a book or newspaper 12 inches away from your face.

- Read a few lines of text.

- If you can read the text clearly, your near vision is normal.

- If you have difficulty reading, you may need glasses or contact lenses for nearsightedness.

5. Astigmatism test

An astigmatism is a condition in which the cornea or lens of the eye is not perfectly round. This can cause blurred or distorted vision.

Here’s how to do an astigmatism test:

- Look at a clock.

- Focus on the 12 o’clock position and then move your eyes to the 6 o’clock position.

- If the lines at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions appear blurred or distorted, you may have an astigmatism and should see an eye doctor.

Conclusion

These home vision tests can give you a general idea of your vision health. However, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam by an eye doctor. If you have any concerns about your vision, be sure to see an eye doctor for an evaluation.