How can I test my eyes at home? The answer is with an eye chart. An eye chart is used to identify the degree of visual impairment and prescribe eyewear, contact lenses, or other treatment options and is recommended by Wolchok Eye Associates, PA , for any home use. It also measures the ability to focus on small objects at a distance. Eye charts are available in many sizes and designs; they're typically printed on paper, but some versions may be laminated for durability or made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
Use Eye Charts
Eye charts are typically used when a person is experiencing vision problems. It can also be used as a teaching tool for children to test their eyesight at home, or an eye doctor can give it out during routine exams. The chart contains small letters that get progressively smaller from the top row to the bottom row of the chart. Each row is identified with a number. The bottom row on the chart will usually have letters that can't be seen without reading glasses, while the top rows may only contain bold capital letters or boxes to help catch your eye as you work down from top-to-bottom.
An eye chart is used to identify the degree of visual impairment and prescribe eyewear, contact lenses, or other treatment options. It also measures the ability to focus on small objects at a distance. Eye charts are available in many sizes and designs; they're typically printed on paper, but some versions may be laminated for durability or made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
What are the different types of vision tests?
There are two main types of vision tests: ophthalmoscopy and retinoscopy. Ophthalmoscopy examines the eye from inside, while retinoscopy examines the retina on the outside surface of a patient's eyes.
What do eye doctors look for during a routine eye exam?
An eye doctor will examine the surface of your eyes during a routine exam. They'll be looking for any irregularities on the cornea, swelling, or signs that you have diabetes and other health problems.
How can you improve your vision naturally?
There are many things you can do to improve your eyesight naturally. For starters, avoid squinting and wearing sunglasses that block the peripheral vision of the eye. These two tips will help reduce stress on your eyes and prevent nearsightedness from worsening as time goes by.
If you're experiencing trouble seeing signs or words while driving, keep your eyes on the road and try adjusting to a higher contrast between dark and light. Simply changing your destination in Google Maps to "night mode" can make it easier for you to see street signs when driving at night.
You can test your eyes at home by following these simple steps:
- Evaluate your symptoms.
- Check with your doctor to make sure that your symptoms are not due to a physical problem.
- If your doctor says that you are healthy, check with an eye care professional about dry eyes and other factors that might be contributing to it (e.g., allergies).
- Try the below techniques to see if you feel better after doing them:
- Use artificial tears regularly throughout the day or before bedtime as recommended by an eye care professional.
- Get adequate sleep and reduce caffeine intake when possible.
- Refrain from wearing contacts for more than 16 hours per day.
- Avoid wearing eyeglasses continuously for more than 16 hours per day.
- Try over-the-counter artificial tears or other eye drops in addition to what your doctor may recommend.
- Use a humidifier at night to help with dry air (especially during winter).
- Reduce any household irritants that might be contributing to the problem.
- Use humidified air to help relieve dry eyes during travel (e.g., airplane).
- Change your pillow and bedding regularly, especially if you often suffer from allergies or are sensitive to dust mites.
- If you wear contact lenses for more than 16 hours per day, talk with an eye care professional about the use of artificial tears or other eye drops.
Symptoms to be wary of include having trouble reading small print, seeing objects from a distance (beyond arm's length) for an extended time, or having sharp, stabbing pains in one or both eyes. Furthermore, contact your doctor if there is discharge in the corner of your eye(s) not associated with injury to the area.
There are many common eye problems that you can treat from the comfort of your home. If you see yourself in any of the above scenarios, visit your optometrist to rule out these and other problems by contacting Wolchok Eye Associates today.
