Vision & Age

Eye Test

Find out for yourself how good your vision really is. This is not a substitute for a complete eye exam by a doctor—but it may help you discover a vision problem that requires professional attention. Besides, it is kind of fun. You will need a friend to help you, so grab someone and try it!

Testing

  1. Print out the Snellen Eye Chart.
  2. Tape it on a bare, windowless wall approximately 4 feet from the ground.
  3. Sit in a chair 10 feet from the wall. If you normally wear contact lenses or glasses, wear them for this test.
  4. Ask your friend to hold a cover (such as a handkerchief or paper cup) over one of your eyes and use a flashlight to point at each line of the chart, starting at the top. Keeping both eyes open, read each letter out loud as your friend points.
  5. Record the number, such as 20/20, of the smallest line you can read correctly.
  6. Repeat steps four and five with the other eye.