How You Can Do a Vision Test at Home – Our Guide

With the safety regulations that governments have set to keep citizens safe, many of them are stuck in their homes. Most of the time, they’ll likely spend most of their days in front of mobile devices, which could put a strain on the eyes and cause vision problems. This is why it’s essential to check your vision at home. Due to the global pandemic, it has become challenging to go out for a doctor’s consultation. Yet, there are still ways for you to do a simple vision test at home.

Keep in mind that too much eye strain can cause various problems, which is why you need to address them right away. If you experience headaches that are associated with your vision, maybe it’s time to have your eyes checked. Before you are able to visit a medical expert for a consultation, you can check your vision at home using these simple steps.

Gather these materials to test your vision:

  • A paper cup or facial tissue
  • A pair of scissors
  • A piece of tape
  • A tape measure or ruler
  • An eye testing chart (you can download this online and print it)

Now, you will also need a pen and paper to record the results. Make sure that you do this in a well-lit room that is at least three meters long.

Eye Test for Children

  1. Have your child sit.
  2. Cover their eyes or have someone do this.
  3. Point at each of the letters; start from the largest.
  4. Repeat the test with the other eye covered.

Eye Test for Adults

  1. Have them cover one of their eyes.
  2. Point at each line of the chart while the person read the letters aloud.
  3. When the letters become too difficult for the person to see, write down the number of smallest lines they can see well.

The Results

A child between the age of three and four should be able to see the 20/40 line, while at age five, they should be able to see the 20/30 line. Keep in mind that the test results may vary on different days, which means you need to repeat the test over a number of days to get a better idea of their vision. For adults, they must be able to read the 20/20 line.

Maintaining Vision at Home

This is a simple vision test you can do at home, though it’s still best to visit an ophthalmologist to get a proper test. However, while it’s still much safer for you to remain indoors, this eye vision test will help keep your sight in check, especially if you have children at home. In doing so, you can identify potential issues and have them addressed right away.

Conclusion

Most doctors today offer online consultations. If you detect problems with your vision or your child’s, you should schedule an online consultation right away so that the expert can provide you with a proper diagnosis, a prescription, and steps to resolve the issue.

Your vision is one of the most important abilities that you have. However, during these tough times, it’s essential that you be resourceful. You can download an eye chart online that you can use for this test so that you can detect problems early on.

Valley Laser Eye Centre is a reputable ophthalmologist in Abbotsford.

Our experts will be able to accommodate your needs amid the pandemic. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

Disclaimer: This blog post does not replace medical advice and should not be implemented prior to consulting a fully certified medical professional.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Related Posts

eye exercises

Can Eye Exercises Really Improve Your Vision? Debunking the Myths

If you’ve ever searched online for ways to improve your eyesight without glasses or contact lenses, you’ve likely come across claims that eye exercises can correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, or presbyopia. At Valley Laser Eye Centre, one of the most common questions we hear is:

“Can I fix my vision naturally with eye exercises?”

The short answer: No. At least not in the way most people think.

Let’s get into the science (or lack thereof), the truth behind these popular claims, what eye exercises can help with, and why advanced treatments like LASIK, PRK, ICL, and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) remain the most reliable way to achieve clearer, lasting vision.

woman sneezing

How Allergies Affect Your Eyes & What You Can Do About It

If you’ve ever felt your eyes itching, watering, or burning when pollen fills the air or after spending time around pets or dust, you’re not alone. Millions of Canadians deal with eye allergies each year which is a frustrating and often overlooked aspect of allergic reactions that can significantly affect daily comfort and vision.

This comprehensive guide explains how allergies affect your eyes, how to tell the difference between allergies and other eye conditions, and what treatments can help. If you suffer from seasonal or year-round symptoms, knowing your options can help you protect your eyes  and your vision.

eye doctor examining male patient

What Is the Best Age to Get LASIK in British Columbia?

Vision correction is a personal investment in your lifestyle, freedom, and confidence. For many British Columbians, LASIK offers a chance to wake up each morning without reaching for glasses or dealing with contact lenses. But one of the most common questions our team at Valley Laser Eye Centre hears is: What’s the best age to get LASIK?

The answer is not as simple as picking a number. While there are general age guidelines, the “best” time depends on several key factors.