A Simple Test For Myopia (Nearsightedness)

In simple terms, myopia is a visual defect in which a person cannot see distant objects clearly. The near vision is usually quite good. 1. To test for nearsightedness, you would need to use a distant vision chart. Do not use your glasses or contact lenses. 2. Place the chart on the wall at eye level under well-illuminated condition. 3. Make markings of five feet from the chart, ten feet from the chart, and twenty feet from the chart. 4. Start with the Twenty feet mark. 5. Cover your left eye with the left palm. Read the chart from top to bottom. Note down the number of lines or letters that you read correctly. 6. Move to ten feet mark, and repeat Step 5. 7. Again, move to five feet mark, and repeat step 5. 8. If you still cannot see the lines or letters from five feet mark, move towards the chart until you can see clearly. Note down the distance from the chart. 9. Cover your right eye with your right palm, and repeat Step 5 - 8. Evaluation of Your Test - If you can see clearly from 20 feet, you have no or neglisgible myopia. - If you can see clearly only at 20 feet mark, you have mild myopia. - If you can see clearly only at 5 feet mark, you have moderate myopia. - You have high myopia, if you vision is clear at less than five feet mark.