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Home vision tests - Results

Alternative Names

Visual acuity test - home; Amsler grid test

Normal Values:

  • Amsler grid test: All lines appear straight and unbroken with no distorted or missing areas
  • Distance vision test: All letters on the 20/20 line read correctly
  • Near vision test: You are able to read the line labeled 20/20 or J-1

What abnormal results mean:

Abnormal results may mean you have a vision problem or eye disease and you should have a professional eye examination.

  • Amsler grid test: If the grid appears distorted or broken, there may be a problem with the retina.
  • Distance vision test: If you do not read the 20/20 line correctly, it may be a sign of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, or another eye abnormality.
  • Near vision test: Not being able to read the small type may be a sign of aging vision (presbyopia).
  • Reviewed last on: 2/10/2011
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Colenbrander A. Measuring vision and vision loss. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane's Ophthalmology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:chap 51.

Skarf B, Glaser JS, Trick GL. Neuro-ophthalmologic examination: the visual sensory system. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane's Ophthalmology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:chap 2.

American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Patterns Committee. Preferred Practice Pattern Guidelines. Comprehensive Adult Medical Eye Evaluation. San Francisco, CA: American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2010. Accessed January 17, 2011.

Miller D, Schor P, Magnante P. Optics of the normal eye. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 2.6.

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