(March 2009 - Near Vision Test for Adults)

NEAR VISION TEST FOR ADULTS (content provided by Prevent Blindness America)

Before you take this test, you should know the difference between an eye check or test and an eye exam done by an eye doctor.

 

Can you read these sentences?

Nearly half of all blindness can be prevented.
Everyone should have periodic eye examinations.
 

 

 

Object: Check your close-up vision in each eye.

What you will need:

  • A well lit room
  • an assistant, if possible
  • pencil and paper to write down your answers

Note about printers: This test requires you to print the Near Vision Chart. The appearance of your printed chart may vary depending on the printer you are using. We have provided a ruler at the top of each eye cahrt. In order to get valid test results, the ruler on each printout should be approximately four inches long. Please measure to make sure.

Also, in order to provide appropriate contrast and clarity for your eye test, be sure to use white paper and choose solid black as the color.

Instructions

  1. Print the Near Vision Chart.
  2. Do not take the test if you are tired.
  3. Do not study the chart before the test.
  4. Choose a well lighted room away from any window glare. Wear the glasses or contact lenses you normally use for reading.
  5. Keep both eyes open.
  6. Hold the Near Vision Chart about 14 inches away from your eyes.
  7. You will need someone to help you take the test. Read the sentences on the test to your helper or write down as it looks to you (if you do not have a helper).
  8. Tell your helper where each opening in the row of "Cs" (or write down as it looks to you if you do not have a helper).
  9. If you did not get the sentence and all the "Cs" correct, repeat the test on another day.

What the results mean

If you did not get all of the sentences and all of the "Cs" correct on two different days, you should arrange for a professional eye exam.

Note: This test does not replace regular eye exams.

 

 

 

 

(February 2009 - Adult Vision Risk Assessment)

Adult Vision Risk Assessment (content provided by Prevent Blindness America)

The self assessment will help you determine whether you are at risk for age-related eye disease. If you suspect that you are not seeing correctly or having an eye problem, you should arrange for a professional exam, regardless of the results of this risk assessment. If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, please arrange to see an eye doctor for a complete exam.

1.   Do you have blood relatives with glaucoma?

2.   Has a doctor treated you or said you have glaucoma?

3.   Have you ever had an eye injury or eye surgery?

4.   Have you noticed a change in your vision over the last 12 months?

5.   Do you persistent pain in or around the eye?

6.   Are you of black heritage and over the age of 40?

7.   Are you over the age of 65?

8.   Was your last dilated eye exam more than two years ago?

9.   Do you have diabetes?

10. If you are diabetic, was your last dilated eye exam more than a year ago?

If you are 55 or older, you should get a dilated eye exam at least once every two years. If you have diabetes or other health problems, you may need to see an eye doctor more often.

Your Results

1.   Do you have blood relatives with glaucoma? If you have a grandparent, parent, sibling or child with glaucoma, you are at risk for the disease. Get a dilated eye exam every two (2) years to ensure good eye health.
2.   Has a doctor treated you for or said you have glaucoma?  If you already know you have glaucoma, it is important to follow up with your eye doctor regularly and to continue prescribed medications so you can keep your eyesight.
3.   Have you ever had an eye injury or eye surgery?  Eye injuries and surgeries can increase your risk for eye disease. See an eye doctor regularly and be sure to inform him or her about your eye health history.
4.   Have you noticed a change in your vision over the last 12 months?  Changes in the way you see should be reported to an eye doctor. If you have not seen an eye doctor about these changes in the last year, make an appointment soon.
5.   Do you have persistent pain in or around the eye?  Persistent pain not due to sinus problems, allergies, cold, flu, headaches or eye strain may be a sign of a seriour eye problem. If your eye hurts continuously, see an eye doctor at an emergency room right away.
6.   Are you of black heritage and over the age of 40?  Studies show that people of black heritage are more susceptible to glaucoma at an eralier age. If you are black and age 40 or older, you are in a risk category for glaucoma. Get a dilated eye exam every 2 years to ensure good eye health.
7.   Are you over the age of 65?  Studies show that anyone age 65 and over is in a risk category for glaucoma. If you are in this category, get dilated eye exam evert 2 years to ensure good eye health.
8.   Was you last dilated eye exam more than two years ago?  A dilated eye exam involves the use of eye drops be an eye doctor to enlarge your pupils. If you are in a risk category for glaucoma, (see questions 1, 6 and 7) you should have a dilated eye exam every two years or as recommended by your eye doctor.
9.   Do you have diabetes?  People with diabetes are at risk for diabetic retinopathy (an eye disease that harms blood vessels in the eye). If you have diabetes, you should have a dilated eye exam once a year or as often as your eye doctor adises.
10. If you are diabetic, was your last dilated eye exam more than a year ago?  If you are diabetic and have not had a dilated eye exam in the last year, make an appointment with an eye doctor to have one as soon as possible.