Home Eye Checks

Four quick checks you can do on this screen in a few minutes.

Please read before you start

These checks are a guide only and cannot replace a full eye examination. If you notice any change in your sight, please book an eye test or call us on 01509 260023.

Check 1 of 4

Distance vision: check how clearly you see far away

This letter chart gives a rough idea of how clearly you see things in the distance. It works best on a computer or tablet screen.

  1. Wear your distance glasses or contact lenses if you normally use them.
  2. Stand about 3 metres (10 feet) from the screen. On a phone, stand about 1.5 metres away.
  3. Cover one eye with your hand.
  4. Read the letters from the top line down, without squinting.
  5. Tap the smallest line you can read correctly, then do the same with the other eye covered.

Check 2 of 4

Reading card: check your close-up vision

Sit at your usual reading distance, about 40 cm (16 inches) from the screen, with your reading glasses on if you have them. Read down the lines without straining, then tap the smallest line you can read comfortably.

Check 3 of 4

Fields of vision: check your side vision

Conditions such as glaucoma can slowly take away your side vision without you noticing. This check flashes small dots around the edges of the box while you look at the centre.

  1. Sit about 30 cm (12 inches) from the screen. A computer or tablet works best.
  2. Cover one eye with your hand.
  3. Look only at the dot in the middle of the box. Keep your eyes still.
  4. Press Start. Each time you see a small dot flash anywhere in the box, press "I saw a dot" (or the space bar).
  5. When it finishes, do the same with the other eye covered.

Check 4 of 4

Amsler grid: check the centre of your vision

This simple grid can show early changes in the centre of your sight, such as those caused by macular degeneration. It is worth doing once a week if you are over 50.

  1. Wear your reading glasses if you normally use them.
  2. Sit about 35 cm (14 inches) from the screen, or hold your phone at a comfortable reading distance.
  3. Cover one eye with your hand.
  4. Look only at the black dot in the middle of the grid.
  5. Keep looking at the dot and notice whether all the lines look straight and all the squares look the same size.
  6. Now do the same with the other eye covered.

With either eye, did any lines look wavy, bent, blurred or missing, or was there a dark or empty patch?

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