At-Home Tests to Monitor Your Vision

We at VRC believe that it is of utmost importance to let us know if you detect any changes in your vision. Changes in vision can be the first sign of a retinal problem, and it is time to call your eye doctor and get an exam. To test your vision, test the same way each day with your glasses on, if needed. Begin by covering your left eye and test the right by looking at a distant object. Then switch eyes by covering the right and testing the left. You can also test your near vision in the same fashion. Any changes in your vision should be reported as soon as possible. Use the cover-uncover technique to look at any changes in your peripheral vision as well. If you see a veil, a curtain, floaters or a shadow appearing in your peripheral vision that does not clear by normal blinking or adjusting your gaze, this should also be reported to your eye doctor.

See below for downloadable examples of these simple 'at home' vision tests. If you feel there has been a change after using either, please call our office 516-466-0390 for further instructions and an appointment.

Stay Safe and Stay Healthy!

Test 1: Snellen Eye Chart

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

For the best accuracy (and to prevent memorization), have someone assist you when testing your vision with this eye chart. If you use eyeglasses or contact lenses for driving or other distance vision tasks, wear them during the test.

1. Place the chart on a wall or easel 10 feet away.
2. Cover one eye with your hand, a large spoon or some other item that completely blocks the vision of the covered eye. (Do not apply pressure to the covered eye, as it might affect that eye’s vision when you test it).
3. Identify a line on the chart you can comfortably read. Read the letters on that line aloud. Have your assistant stand near the chart and record your accuracy.
4. Continue trying to read the letters on each successively smaller line. Do not squint.
5. Have your assistant stop you when you fail to correctly identify at least 50 percent of the letters on a line.
6. Switch to the other eye and repeat.

Record your visual acuity for each eye by noting the line for which you correctly identified either:

1. More than half the letters on that line, but not all of them.
2. All letters on that line, plus a few letters (less than half) on the next line.

DOWNLOAD SNELLEN CHART

Test 2: Amsler Chart

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

The Amsler grid is used to check whether lines look wavy or distorted, or whether areas of the visual field are missing.

1. Tape this page at eye level where light is consistent and without glare.
2. Put on your reading glasses and cover one eye.
3. Fix your gaze on the center black dot.
4. Keeping your gaze fixed, try to see if any lines are distorted or missing.
5. Mark the defect on the chart.
6. TEST EACH EYE SEPARATELY.
7. If the distortion is new or has worsened, arrange to see your eye doctor at once.
8. Always keep the Amsler’s Chart the same distance from your eyes each time you test.

DOWNLOAD Amsler Chart