80% of our learnings are through our vision. It is one of the most important senses that allows us to learn and grow. With rapidly changing lifestyle it is very important to take care of our eyes now than ever before. On an average people are known to spend 7-8 hours in front of a digital screen. Sometimes they spend more time Vs. sleeping. Regular eye exam is a simple and the most effective way to protect your eyes and do what is best for them.

A complete eye exam include series of tests which will assess the status of your eyes as well as the overall health. As these tests are done once or twice a year only, it might a great idea to periodically monitor your vision with simple vision screen tests.

Online vision tests are simple and easy to use screening tests that help you with getting a baseline information about your visual status. There are several ways that will allow you to take the vision screening vision tests at home. Some tests require you to print out a PDF document of a chart and place the chart 10ft away and record the vision. Other options includes using two device test, which will include your laptop or desktop that will work as the vision chart and a smart phone as your remote to record your responses. These tests are simple and easy to use. Some of these tests might also need you to download an app, sign up and follow simple instructions to check your vision. Online vision test is done one eye at a time similar to the test in the doctors office. For patients who wear corrective lenses like glasses and contact lenses much wear them while taking the vision test for accurate results.

20/20 or 6/6 vision is the most common way of recording your vision test. 20/20 or 6/6  is considered “Normal Vision”. In simple terms it means A person with 20/20  or 6/6 vision can see what an average individual can see on the visual acuity chart when they are standing 20 feet or 6meters  away. In terms of eyesight alone, someone with 20/20 vision can perform most or all of the basic tasks and duties required in daily life.

Most of the patients are eligible for the online vision screening test. This is a very good first step to help you better understand the visual status of your eyes. Kids as well as adults can use this test to monitor and know what is theri visual acuity. Most of the online vision tests use neutral testing methods like Tumbling E, numbers or a broken C test where all they have to do as patient is point at the direction of the letters. This allows these tests to be more universal.

• Online vision test is not a complete eye exam, it can only determine the visual acuity of your eye, but there are several other components that needs to examined to ensure the overall health of your eyes.
• These online test can show inaccurate results if one fails to follow the instructions accurately. This might sometimes show a falsely good or bad visual acuity. It is important to remember that this is a screening test and should not be considered as the ultimate vision test.
• In kids it is always advisable to get a comprehensive eye exam and it should be done in a doctor’s office using eye drops for the best results. This test would be an important tool to monitor their vision in between the visits to ensure there is no major drop in the vision. For kids wearing glasses or contact lenses, this serves as a great tool to monitor the vision fluctuation if any and adjust the refractive correction accordingly.
• Not all online vision screening tests are same. Some tests have shown that might how higher false negative results than others. It is important for the patient to accurately follow the instructions and speak to an eye care professional to better understand the next steps.

World Eye Care Foundation’s eyecare.live brings you the latest information from various industry sources and experts in eye health and vision care. Please consult with your eye care provider for more general information and specific eye conditions. We do not provide any medical advice, suggestions or recommendations in any health conditions.