At Home Eye Test

What is an At-Home Eye Test?

While you'll need to go to the optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam, you can do a simple vision test at home with our at-home eye test.

This printable eye chart is a convenient and accessible method for individuals to assess their vision without visiting an optometrist's office. This resource is based on a vision test called the Snellen test, which tests visual acuity and can be conducted using just your computer screen.

This at-home eye test is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam but can be used as a simple vision test for addressing eye health concerns early on and prior to seeing a trained professional for a full vision screening.

Signs and symptoms you need an eye test

Several signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for an eye test. These include:

• Changes in your vision: Any changes in your vision, getting worse on either side or both, can indicate it's time to book an eye exam. It's essential to get on top of changes in your vision and correct for these early on.
• Blurred vision: If you're noticing persistent blurry vision, it may indicate refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
• Eye strain: Frequent headaches, eye fatigue, or discomfort can all be signs that it's time to book your next eye exam.
• Difficulty focusing: If you find it challenging to focus on objects up close or far away, this could indicate an underlying problem like myopia, astigmatism, or eye strain. This is a vital sign that it's time to book an ophthalmologic exam.
• Squinting: Constant squinting may be a subconscious effort to improve focus and a signal that your vision needs to be corrected to reduce eye strain.

Benefits of assessing eye health

The main benefit of assessing your eye health is the early detection of any issues and getting treatment such as corrective lenses, contact lenses, or medications kickstarted.

Some eye conditions cause your vision to change gradually. You might not have realized your vision or eye health is declining slowly over time, but the longer you wait between eye exams- the more advanced problems like astigmatism, dry eyes, or blurry vision can get. If you're straining more than you need to, this might result in headaches or excess tiredness that can be corrected with glasses or contacts- giving you a better quality of life.

Additionally, for some professions- such as pilots, it's important to examine your eye health periodically.

How to conduct an at-home eye test

If you find yourself between eye exams, or aren't quite ready to make the booking with your eye doctor, then an at-home eye test can be a great way to check your current prescription, or get a general idea of any vision problems.

To start using our online vision test, follow the simple steps below.

Step 1. Download the eye chart

The first step is to access your free download of this resource using the link on this page.

Step 2. Ensure correct sizing

The next step is to ensure that the Snellen chart is at the correct magnification. To facilitate this, there is a "1 cm" guideline in the top left of the template. Zoom in or out on your computer screen until this line measures 1cm across.

Alternatively, print out the eye test and check the measurement of the 1 cm guideline once printed. You may need to adjust your print settings up to 111% to get the perfect result, so it might be easier to leave it in digital form if possible.

Step 3. Create a quiet environment

Minimize distractions and ensure proper lighting in the room where you're conducting the test. If using a computer monitor, be sure the brightness and contrast are optimal for your vision.

Step 4. Move back 20 feet

It's time to get the measuring tape out!! This test is designed to be read at 6 meters or 20 feet. You might need to set up in a corridor or along the length of a large room to get the required distance.

Step 5. Read as far down the rows as you can

Next, start reading each row from the top down. Have a helper sitting closer to the eye test to check your answers. Once you reach a row where you can't read the letters correctly, look for the numbers in the right-most column, as these correspond to your visual acuity.

Interpreting the results and next steps

You might have heard of 20/20 vision, but have you ever wondered what these numbers mean?

The results of your visual acuity test are given as two numbers: the first number represents the distance where you would need to stand from the eye chart to read the row., and the second number represents the distance someone with normal vision would need to stand to read the row.

This means that 20/20 vision corresponds to normal vision (not necessarily perfect vision!), as you need to stand at 20 feet to read what someone with normal vision can read at 20 feet.

Alternatively, suppose you could only read letters down to the 5th row. In that case, this corresponds to 20/30 vision, which means you can read at 20 feet what someone with normal vision could read at 30 feet- indicating you might need to look into wearing glasses or contacts, or further assessment of your distance vision.

While at-home tests can provide valuable insights, they are not a substitute for professional, in-person eye care. Schedule an appointment with an optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination if you have any concerns that arise from this at-home eye test.

You can also provide the results of your At Home Eye Test to your eye care professional. This information can aid in their assessment and diagnosis.

Is this at home vision test reliable and accurate?

Home vision tests will never be as accurate as complete eye exams conducted in a doctor's office by a trained professional. As such, it is crucial to use these tests as a supplementary tool and not to replace visits to your optometrist.

For a thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis, consult an eye care professional who can conduct a comprehensive examination tailored to your needs. Regular professional eye exams remain the gold standard for ensuring optimal eye health and promptly addressing potential issues.