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Check and protect your eyesight
In this section, we have several eye tests along with some information on how to protect your eyesight. You can do these tests by reviewing them on the computer or printing them out. If you are viewing on-screen, make sure your screen resolution is at least 800 by 600. If you are printing them out, make sure your printer resolution is at least 300 dots per inch. Choose whichever device has the highest resolution.
If you already have glasses you use for reading, make sure you use these during the tests. You might like to try the tests without glasses after you've done them with glasses first.
These tests are for educational use only and by no means replace specialist advice. A pass or fail in any of these tests does not represent any form of diagnosis. You should see a specialist if you have any concern about your eyesight.
Practice covering each eye
All three tests need you to cover one eye while testing the other. Use a separate sheet of paper to cover each eye. Practice placing it over one eye at a time. Do not close one eye while doing the test. This can affect the other eye because many people squint when they close one eye!
Test one - near sight test instructions
This first test checks for Hyperopia, or long-sightedness. Hyperopia results from light focusing behind the retina (the back of the eye) rather than right on it. This causes blurred vision when observing near objects. This condition affects about 10% of the population above 40;however, many people have this condition without knowing it.
Prepare for the test
To do this test, you need the test itself, a ruler, two more pieces of paper, and a pen or pencil. If possible, have somebody help you with the test. They will use one sheet of paper to write down the letters and words as you read them.
Make sure you have enough light while doing the test. If you are doing the test on- screen, minimize any glare or reflections. Be sure not to look at the words before starting the test.
Calibrate the test
First, you need to make sure your eyes are the right distance away from the test. Follow these instructions depending on the viewing method you've chosen.
- If you are doing the test on screen, you need to adjust the zoom setting in Adobe Acrobat. Use the options on the toolbar or look under the Tools > Zoom menu. Adjust the setting so the calibration line at the top is 6 in. (15.3 cm).
- If you have printed the test out, measure the calibration line and check to make sure it's 4 in. (10.2 cm). If it isn't, try setting the "page scaling" option in Adobe Acrobat 6 print options to "none" or see your printer manual for options for scaling. If no success, adjust the distance in the next step. If the line is longer, hold the paper slightly further away. If it's shorter, hold the paper closer.
Remember, the test is only a guide so don't worry if it's not exact.
Next : Measure the distance between your eyes and the test
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