FES Bureau

Those of you who are used to glaring at the computer for
hours and getting constant headaches and eye strain, advice
is a click away. Sitting at home you can find out if you need to go to
an eye specialist or not. Ophthalmic lense major Essilor has created an online eye testing facility where you can at least take the primary
step of checking your eyesight.

All you have to do is to log on to www.essilorindia.com and go to the ‘See more of Life’ section.

The test is simple. A print out of a series of instructions without changing the dimensions on a sheet of paper by setting the printer on best quality is a primary requisite. The test has three sections, the first one is called the reading vision test, mainly useful for people of 40 and older. If you are using spectacles, it should be worn during the test. After holding the print out (about 40 cm from your eyes), try to read the three lines given in a box. The key to the test is whether you are able to read the bottom line or not. If you are able to read it, then you have reason to relax.

The next test is the distance vision test. It has two parts, one for myopia and the other for astigmatism. In the test for myopia, you should try to read letters given in two boxes, one in black and the other in grey, by holding the print out 1.5 mt from your eyes. Just find out if you can read all the letters with each eye. If you cannot read it, then get ready for an eye check up with a specialist.

In the test for astigmatism, you need to look at a number of lines drawn in a semi-circular fashion and check if you find any of those lines appearing darker than others with each eye. If your answer is yes, then you need a definite check up. However, a word of caution, Essilor warns that passing the test does not imply eyes are healthy. It’s only the first step towards taking better care of your eyes.