Frequently Asked Questions
What is an eye test online?
An eye test online is a digital screening tool that checks your visual acuity and color perception using your computer or phone screen. Our test displays letters at decreasing sizes to measure how well you see, plus Ishihara-style plates to test color vision. While convenient for preliminary screening, online tests cannot replace comprehensive exams by eye care professionals.
Is it possible to do an eye test online?
Yes! Online eye tests can effectively screen for visual acuity and color blindness. Our test takes about 2 minutes and provides instant results. However, online tests have limitations—they cannot check eye health, measure eye pressure, or examine the retina. Use them as a convenient first step, then visit an optometrist for complete evaluation.
How to do an eye test online?
To take our online eye test: 1) Sit about 1-2 feet from your screen in good lighting, 2) Click "Start Eye Test", 3) Identify letters shown at different sizes, 4) Complete the color vision test by identifying numbers in colored plates, 5) Get your results instantly. For accuracy, don't squint and keep the screen at eye level.
How to test your vision at home?
You can test your vision at home using our online tool or with a printed Snellen chart placed 20 feet away. Cover one eye and read the smallest line you can see clearly, then switch eyes. For a quick check, try reading text at various distances. If you notice any difficulty, schedule a professional eye exam.
Can I check my eyesight at home?
Yes, you can screen your eyesight at home using our online vision test. It measures visual acuity (how clearly you see) and color perception. Home tests are useful for monitoring changes between professional exams, but they cannot detect eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts. Regular professional exams remain essential.
Can I test my own eyesight?
Absolutely! Self-administered vision tests like ours provide useful screening information. You can check both distance vision and color perception. Test each eye separately for best results. If you notice significant differences between eyes or any vision changes, consult an eye care professional promptly.
Can you test your eyesight online?
Yes, online vision tests are readily available and provide quick screening results. Our test checks visual acuity (sharpness) and color vision in about 2 minutes. Online tests are convenient for initial assessment or tracking changes, but cannot replace comprehensive exams that check eye health, pressure, and retinal condition.
Are eye tests free?
Our online eye test is completely free! Professional eye exams vary in cost. In the UK, NHS provides free tests for many groups. In the US, costs range from $50-$200 without insurance. Many optical retailers offer free vision screenings. Check if you qualify for free tests based on age, health conditions, or insurance coverage.
Where can I get a free eye test?
Free eye tests are available: 1) Online tests like ours for instant screening, 2) NHS opticians in the UK for eligible groups, 3) Optical retailers sometimes offer free screenings, 4) Community health fairs, 5) School vision programs for children. Our online test requires no appointment or registration.
How much does an eye test cost?
Our online test is free. Professional eye exam costs vary: £20-40 in the UK (free for many on NHS), $50-$200 in the US without insurance, often covered by vision insurance. Factors affecting cost include location, type of exam (basic vs comprehensive), and additional tests like retinal imaging.
How often should I have an eye test?
Recommended frequency: children every 1-2 years, adults under 40 every 2 years, adults 40-64 every 1-2 years, over 65 annually. More frequent testing if you: wear glasses/contacts, have diabetes, have family history of eye disease, or notice vision changes. Use our online test between professional exams to monitor changes.
How often eye test UK?
In the UK, adults should have eye tests every 2 years, or annually if over 70, diabetic, or at risk for glaucoma. Children need tests before starting school and every 2 years after. NHS provides free tests for: under 16s, 16-18 in education, over 60s, diabetes patients, and those receiving certain benefits.
When do I need an eye test?
Get an eye test if you: experience blurred vision, have headaches or eye strain, hold reading material further away, have difficulty seeing at night, notice eye redness or pain, see floaters or flashes, or haven't had a test in 2+ years. Early detection of problems leads to better outcomes.
Can an eye test detect diabetes?
Yes! Eye exams can detect signs of diabetes, sometimes before other symptoms appear. Diabetic retinopathy causes visible changes in blood vessels at the back of the eye. Professional eye exams can identify these early signs. If detected, you'll be referred for blood sugar testing and diabetes management.
Can an eye test detect high blood pressure?
Yes, eye exams can reveal signs of hypertension (high blood pressure). The blood vessels in your retina can show changes from chronic high blood pressure, including narrowing, bleeding, or swelling. This is another reason regular eye exams are important for overall health monitoring.
Can an eye test detect brain problems?
Eye exams can sometimes reveal neurological issues. The optic nerve is an extension of the brain, and changes in its appearance can indicate increased intracranial pressure, multiple sclerosis, or tumors. Visual field tests may detect damage to visual pathways. Always report vision changes to your doctor.
Can an eye test show a brain tumour?
Eye exams can sometimes detect signs suggesting a brain tumor. Swelling of the optic nerve (papilledema), visual field loss, or abnormal eye movements may indicate a problem. While not diagnostic for tumors specifically, these findings prompt further investigation with brain imaging.
Can an eye test detect MS?
Eye exams may reveal signs of multiple sclerosis. Optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve) is often an early symptom of MS and appears as changes in the optic nerve, color vision problems, or visual field defects. If your optometrist suspects MS-related changes, you'll be referred to a neurologist.
Can an eye test detect glaucoma?
Yes, comprehensive eye exams test for glaucoma through multiple methods: measuring eye pressure (tonometry), examining the optic nerve, testing peripheral vision, and measuring corneal thickness. Early detection is crucial as glaucoma damage is irreversible. This is why professional exams are important alongside online screening tests.
Will an eye test show cataracts?
Yes, cataracts are easily detected during eye exams. The eye doctor uses a microscope (slit lamp) to examine your lens for clouding. Early cataracts may cause glare sensitivity and slightly blurred vision. When cataracts significantly impact your vision, surgery can replace the clouded lens with an artificial one.
What is the eye test for driving?
Driving vision tests check if you meet legal minimum standards. In the UK, you must read a license plate from 20 meters. In the US, requirements vary by state but typically require 20/40 vision (with correction if needed). Some jurisdictions also test peripheral vision. Our online test can help you prepare.
What is the vision test at the DMV?
DMV vision tests typically involve reading a line on an eye chart, usually requiring 20/40 vision or better. Some states test each eye separately and together. You may also be tested for color blindness and peripheral vision. If you fail, you'll need to see an eye doctor and return with corrected vision.
What happens if you fail your vision test?
If you fail a vision test: for driving, you may need to get glasses/contacts and retake the test; for professional screening, you'll be referred to an optometrist for comprehensive evaluation. Failing isn't cause for alarm—it simply means you need vision correction or further examination. Early detection of problems is beneficial!
What is 20/20 vision?
20/20 vision means you can see at 20 feet what should normally be visible at that distance—it's considered "standard" vision. 20/40 means you need to be at 20 feet to see what someone with normal vision sees at 40 feet. Note that 20/20 doesn't mean perfect vision—it doesn't account for color vision, depth perception, or peripheral vision.
How bad is my eyesight?
Our test estimates your visual acuity from 20/20 (excellent) to 20/200 (legally blind without correction). 20/20-20/25 is normal, 20/30-20/40 is mild impairment (may need glasses for driving), 20/50-20/100 is moderate impairment, and 20/200+ is severe. Your prescription number indicates the correction needed.
Which eye test is best?
The best eye test depends on your needs. For quick screening, online tests like ours are convenient and free. For comprehensive evaluation including eye health, prescription, and disease detection, see an optometrist. For specific concerns like glaucoma risk, see an ophthalmologist. Regular professional exams complement at-home screening.
What is color blindness?
Color blindness (color vision deficiency) affects about 8% of men and 0.5% of women. Most common is red-green color blindness, where these colors appear similar. Blue-yellow color blindness and complete color blindness are rarer. Our test uses Ishihara-style plates to screen for color vision deficiencies.
How is an eye test done?
Professional eye tests include: visual acuity (reading letter charts), refraction (determining your prescription), eye muscle tests, pupil response, peripheral vision, eye pressure measurement, and examination of internal eye structures. Our online test focuses on visual acuity and color perception—two key components you can easily test at home.
What is visual acuity test?
A visual acuity test measures how clearly you can see. You read letters or symbols on a chart at a set distance, starting with large letters and progressing to smaller ones. The smallest line you can read determines your acuity score (like 20/20). Our online test uses this same principle with decreasing letter sizes.
What is a field of vision test?
A visual field test measures your peripheral (side) vision. You focus on a central point while lights flash in different areas of your vision. This test detects blind spots and is crucial for diagnosing glaucoma, stroke effects, and brain conditions. It's not included in basic online tests and requires professional equipment.
Why test peripheral vision?
Peripheral vision testing is important because: glaucoma often affects side vision first, it's needed for safe driving, neurological conditions can cause peripheral loss, and retinal detachment may start peripherally. Early detection of peripheral vision loss can prevent progression and preserve remaining vision.
What is an OCT eye test?
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is an advanced imaging scan that creates detailed cross-section images of your retina. It detects macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and glaucoma at very early stages. Many opticians now offer OCT as part of comprehensive exams—it's painless and takes only a few minutes.
Why do doctors check your eyes?
Eyes provide a unique window into overall health. Doctors can detect: diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid conditions, autoimmune diseases, and neurological problems by examining your eyes. The retina's blood vessels are the only ones visible without surgery, making eye exams valuable for whole-body health assessment.
Are eye tests free for over 60?
In the UK, NHS eye tests are free for everyone aged 60 and over. In Australia, Medicare covers eye exams for seniors. In the US, Medicare Part B covers annual diabetic eye exams and medically necessary tests, but routine exams may require supplemental vision insurance. Our online test is free for all ages.
Are eye tests free for pensioners?
In many countries, pensioners qualify for free or subsidized eye tests. UK NHS provides free tests from age 60. Australian Medicare covers seniors. US Medicare has limited coverage. Check your local healthcare system's eligibility requirements. Meanwhile, our online screening is always free and can help you monitor vision between professional visits.
Are eye tests free for kids?
In most places, children's eye tests are free or low-cost. UK NHS covers all under-16s and 16-18 year olds in full-time education. Many US schools provide free screenings. Pediatrician visits often include basic vision checks. Early testing is important as children may not recognize vision problems. Our online test works for children who can read letters.
How often should eyes be tested for diabetes?
People with diabetes should have dilated eye exams annually to check for diabetic retinopathy. If you have existing diabetic eye disease, more frequent monitoring (every 3-6 months) may be needed. Early detection and treatment of diabetic eye changes can prevent vision loss. This requires professional examination, not just online screening.
Why is regular eye testing important?
Regular eye tests are vital because: many eye conditions have no early symptoms, vision problems affect quality of life, eye exams detect serious health conditions, early treatment prevents vision loss, and children's learning depends on good vision. Our online test helps you stay aware of vision changes between professional exams.
Can eye test be wrong?
Eye tests can sometimes give inaccurate results due to: fatigue, dry eyes, screen brightness settings, testing distance variations, or rushing through the test. Online tests have additional variables like screen size and resolution. For accurate results, follow test instructions carefully. Always confirm concerning results with a professional exam.
How does this eye test work?
Our test has two parts: 1) Visual acuity—you identify letters shown at progressively smaller sizes, measuring how clearly you see. 2) Color vision—you identify numbers hidden in colored dot patterns (Ishihara-style plates), screening for color blindness. Results are calculated instantly based on your responses.
Where to get your eyes tested?
Eye testing options include: 1) Online tests like ours for quick screening, 2) Opticians/optometrists for comprehensive exams and prescriptions, 3) Ophthalmologists for medical conditions, 4) Optical retailers for basic checks, 5) Workplace screenings in some industries. Start with our free online test, then visit a professional if needed.