What is it?

An astigmatism chart helps determine whether the curvature of your cornea or lens is normal. An abnormal curvature, usually more football-shaped than round, will sharply focus some portions of an image onto the retina while blurring others.

How do I test for Astigmatism?

1. If you have contacts or glasses, wear them.
2. Sit about 14 inches away from your computer screen.
3. Cover one eye.
4. Note how the lines and squares appear (for example, wavy or blurred).
5. Test the other eye in the same manner.

What do my results mean?

To a normal eye, the lines will appear sharply focused and equally dark. If some sets of lines appear sharply focused and dark while others are blurred and less dark, you may have astigmatism. Regardless of your result, see your eye doctor on a regular basis for a complete eye exam.

What is it?

The Snellen test is the best-known vision test. It uses a chart with different sizes of letters to evaluate how accurately you can see from a distance.

How do I perform the Snellen Test?

You'll need a friend to help you.

1. Print the Snellen Eye Chart (126 kB).
2. If you have contacts or glasses, wear them
3. Hang the chart on a bare, windowless wall at eye level.
4. Stand or sit 10 feet from the wall.
5. Cover one eye. Starting at the top, read each letter out loud.
6. Have your friend note the smallest line you can read correctly.
7. Test the other eye in the same manner.

The Snellen Test Printout is in PDF format. You will need Adobe® Reader® to download your guide. To download Adobe® Reader® free of charge, click here.

What do my results mean?

If you can't read the 20/20 line with both eyes, you may need vision correction. Regardless of your result, see your eye doctor on a regular basis for a complete eye exam.

What is it?

Near vision testing measures your ability to read and see objects close up, within arm's distance from the body. This test is important if you have hyperopia or presbyopia.

How do I test for Near Vision?

1. If you have contacts or glasses, wear them.
2. Sit about 14 inches away from your computer screen.
3. Open the Near Vision Test.
4. Keep both eyes open.
5. Jot down where the opening of the Cs" are located (for example, left, right, up, down).
6. If you did not get all the "Cs" correct, repeat the test on another day.

What do my results mean?

If you didn't get all of the "Cs" correct on two different days, you may need vision correction. Regardless of your result, see your eye doctor on a regular basis for a complete eye exam.