Eye test

How well can you see?
Sight is one of our most important senses and we use it all the time.
We use it to read when we're out shopping...
when we cook, drive a car, we use it for anything we want.
So it's always in focus.
Sometimes our vision changes.
It can get worse over time.
This can happen slowly or suddenly It can be difficult to detect even if you have decreased vision.
That's why the Eye Association and I have created an eye test.
It's on the Eye Association's website.
and it's free, easy to complete, and it takes just five minutes.
So now you can test your vision at home on the sofa or you can test it at work or when you have a few spare minutes.
Let's see what it looks like.
We're on the Eye Association's website, scrolling down and starting the test.
The test is designed for you to assess your visual strength...
either from a short distance or from a long distance.
This means that we are testing your reading vision or your distance vision.
The test is intended to assess whether you need to see an optician...
or if you have a vision problem at all.
Let's keep going.
Before we start, we need to adjust the screen.
We'll need a card the size of a credit card.
Once you have one, we continue.
Next thing is that if you use reading glasses or distance glasses then you'll need them for the test.
Third thing is that we need to turn up the light...
as much as possible, on the screen you're using.
Let's keep going.
The monitor must be kept as stable as possible, while taking the test.
Now we need the card from before so we can set the screen to the right resolution.
Place the card over the screen.
We need to get the field to match the size of the card.
We do that by pressing the plus or minus buttons to get the exact size.
Once we've done that, we continue.
Now we are ready to choose which test to try.
If it's a reading eye test, we'll pick the 40-cm test.
If it's for distance vision, we're going to pick the 2-metre test.
For the 2-metre test you need a helper to help mark what results you get.
Let's choose the reading test.
It is important that you have the right distance from the eye to the screen.
Either you need a measuring tape...
or, if you don't have one, click here for help.
40 cm corresponds to 2 pieces of A4 paper side by side.
This corresponds to 40 cm, and that's exactly what we need.
Once we have the 40 cm, we can continue the test.
You must now confirm that you meet the right conditions We're wearing glasses, we're indoors, we've turned up the lights on our screen.
The screen is stable and we've adapted it to the right size and the distance is correct.
Once all this is done, we can get started.
The test works so that we have to mark which way the C symbols turn.
We do that by marking where the opening in the C symbols is.
They can be too low, to the left to the right or at the top.
The arrow here marks which symbol you have reached in the row.
There are four different levels all of which need to be completed.
We test one eye at a time and start with the right eye.
That's why you need to start by holding your hand in front of your left eye.
Let's keep going.
Now the test starts with the four symbols use the arrow keys to select the direction of the "C" symbols.
If you're unsure whether you have answered correctly, you can go back and do it again.
Otherwise, continue to the next level.
If you made a mistake along the way, this image will appear.
If you make two mistakes on a level the test stops, and you move on to the next eye.
If you've managed all the levels successfully you will see this image.
Now we're going to change over, so we're going to test the left eye.
Remember, you still need a distance of 40 cm.
Now, remember to cover your right eye...
while testing your left eye.
The test on the left eye is carried out in the same way as on the right eye.
We continue marking.
Now we're done with the test, and we can see the results.
The result field is structured like this...
if you end up in the green field...
then you have normal vision.
If you end up in the yellow or red field, your vision isn't optimal.
Especially if there's a difference between the right and the left eye the results are presented separately if there is a difference, you have to pay extra attention.
Extra attention means you have to go to the optician.
If your reduced vision has come on all of a sudden, you might need to see the ophthalmologist.
A lot of people ask how often you should take an eye test like this.
In general, there are no rules but the test is designed for adults of 18 years or older.
Particular attention should be paid to: if you are 50 years old or older, because that's often when eyes change.
In the vast majority of cases, it's about glasses...
either reading glasses or glasses you will need wear all the time.
Sometimes it may also be due to eye disease.