Finally, a Properly Calibrated Near Vision Tester

Allows you to test both distance and near vision with the same measurement method and scale on a handy handheld panel
with built-in backlighting and four types of optotypes
– two on the front and two on the back.

It’s This Simple with Eye Charts from Danish ISOeyes:

With distance and near vision charts from ISOeyes, you can easily screen for both distance and near vision using the two types of charts: the distance chart and the near vision tester in combination. These two charts are precisely calibrated to each other, so the only difference in the test is the viewing distance. This provides the optimal basis for valid vision measurements.

Signs of Nearsightedness: If you achieve a better vision result on the near vision chart at a 30 cm reading distance than on the distance chart at, for example, 3 meters, then you are likely nearsighted. The degree of this determines whether the screening leads to a visit to the ophthalmologist/optician.
Signs of Farsightedness: If you achieve a worse vision result on the near vision chart at a 30 cm reading distance than on the distance chart at, for example, 3 meters, then you are likely farsighted. The degree of this determines whether the screening leads to a visit to the ophthalmologist/optician.

For preschool and school children, the threshold value is LogMAR 0.2

No More Cryptic Error-Prone Near Vision Tests.

This method of assessing distance and near vision issues is precisely because we are talking about two test situations that are calibrated to each other. We are not dealing with fundamentally different test environments, as is the case when the near vision test consists of a “Jaeger” card with completely different measurement units and lines of text…. Instead, we have a test where the only difference in the test environment is the distance to the vision chart.
Read more about nearsightedness and farsightedness below….

How to Determine if You Have Nearsightedness or Farsightedness Challenges.

  • If you CAN clearly see the symbols on the red LogMAR 0.0 line (equivalent to 6/6 or decimal 1.0) on the near vision tester at a 30 cm distance, while on the distance chart you can only see the line with a value of LogMAR 0.2 or worse (6/9 and decimal 0.63), this indicates that you are nearsighted.
  • On the other hand, if you CAN only barely see the symbols on the LogMAR 0.2 line on the near vision tester at a 30 cm distance, while achieving a better result on the distance chart and CAN see the line with a value of LogMAR 0.1 or better, this indicates that you are farsighted.

It is More Important Than Ever to Test for Nearsightedness.

Approximately one in five Danish children suffers from nearsightedness, an increase from previous years. Severe nearsightedness is associated with serious eye complications, and the extreme increase in children’s screen time on iPads and mobile phones has been identified as a significant factor in this unfortunate development.

Nearsightedness can lead to fatigue, irritation, and headaches due to difficulties in seeing distant objects.

There Should Be No Difference in How Distance and Near Vision Charts Are Constructed!

A vision chart for measuring nearsightedness (myopia) should fundamentally be constructed in the same way as a standard vision chart. However, this simple basic rule has surprisingly rarely been followed in the design of near vision charts.
A standard vision chart, such as ETDRS or HOTV, is designed to assess distance vision—typically at 3 or 6 meters. It measures how well you can see objects at a distance. In contrast, a near vision chart is used to assess near vision, typically for tasks such as reading or using a computer—typically at a distance of about 30-40 cm, which is the typical reading distance.

Although a distance chart can indicate the presence of nearsightedness by showing reduced distance visual acuity, it is not the optimal tool for accurately diagnosing or quantifying the degree of myopia. A combination of tests, including those specifically designed for near vision, should be used to provide a comprehensive evaluation.

Construction of a Near Vision Chart for Myopia:

Symbols, Font Size, and Line Spacing: There should be no difference from standard vision charts, but values should also be calculated based on the testing distance. Charts like Jaeger, etc., have contributed to complicating the process of conducting a proper near vision screening.
Optical Correction: If the purpose of the chart is to determine a person’s need for reading glasses or other correction for nearsightedness, the vision chart can be used with and without reading glasses to assess the difference in clarity.

In Short: A near vision chart is designed to assess nearsightedness and is constructed with smaller text or symbols and closer viewing distances compared to a standard vision chart used for distance vision testing. However, they should be constructed according to the same standards as distance vision charts!

So, it is important to choose charts that comply with ISO 8596.

This double-sided backlit vision chart from ISOeyes is ideal for testing children and other age groups for nearsightedness. With a height of 210 mm, a width of 122 mm, a depth of 15 mm, and a weight of 110 grams, it is easy to use. A charger is included so it can be used with the provided battery.

The chart includes space for three different optotypes, so the chart front does not need to be changed when used with different age groups or test subjects with special challenges such as illiteracy.

ISOeyes Presents a Near Vision Testing System (Myopia), Which is a Natural and Proper Extension of “Distance” Vision Charts.

This handy backlit near vision tester from Danish ISOeyes is designed to comply with the revised guidelines from the health authorities and operates logarithmically with CE-approved optotypes in accordance with ISO 8596.
The charts are double-sided and support both letters and figures, including Thumbling E, Wekey, OpticianA, and Similar.

Regardless of age group, all are covered with the four options on the same handheld vision chart. These charts are calibrated to the distance vision charts and configured for a viewing distance of 30 cm.

When is a Person Considered Nearsighted?

A person is generally considered nearsighted when they have a condition known as myopia. Nearsightedness occurs when the eye cannot focus clearly on objects that are far away and instead can focus clearly on objects that are closer. This typically happens when the eyeball is either too long (axial myopia) or the cornea is too curved (corneal myopia).
Symptoms of Nearsightedness Include:

  1. Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.
  2. Often squinting or straining to see distant objects clearly.
  3. Better near vision, such as for reading or screen work.

When a person is nearsighted, light rays are refracted slightly in front of the retina, causing the focal point to end up slightly off from the photoreceptors on the retina. This results in a blurred image of what we are looking at.

When is a Person Considered Farsighted?

A person is generally considered farsighted when they have a condition known as hyperopia. Farsightedness occurs when the eye has difficulty focusing clearly on objects that are close and instead is better at focusing on objects that are farther away. This typically happens when the eyeball is too short relative to its optical power or when the cornea has a flatter curvature.Symptoms of Farsightedness Include:

  1. Difficulty seeing close objects clearly, especially when reading or doing near tasks.
  2. Possibly having trouble focusing on text or objects at close range without stretching the arms out.
  3. Better vision at longer distances.

Farsightedness can also be corrected with glasses or contact lenses that have a positive lens power (plus power), which helps move the image back onto the retina, making it clear. An ophthalmologist can determine the exact power needed and recommend the appropriate correction. It is important to consult an ophthalmologist if you experience symptoms of farsightedness, as untreated hyperopia can cause discomfort and reduced near vision capabilities.

When a person is farsighted, light rays are focused behind the retina. This is because the cornea’s and lens’s refractive power is too weak relative to the length of the eye. Often this is due to the eye being too short, but it can also be caused by the cornea not having the correct curvature or the lens being too weak.

Do Not Use a Standard Wall-Mounted Vision Chart for Near Vision Testing!

Conducting a nearsightedness test (myopia test) using a standard vision chart hanging on the wall presents several challenges and potential problems:

  • Inappropriate Distance:
    • Nearsightedness is characterized by difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. A standard wall-mounted vision chart is typically placed at a distance of 3 or 6 meters for a normal vision test. This setup does not effectively test for nearsightedness, which requires evaluation of vision at shorter distances.
  • Lack of Near Vision Testing:
    • Standard vision charts are designed to assess distance vision, not near vision. For nearsightedness testing, you need materials and charts specifically designed to be read at a shorter distance.
  • Lighting:
    • The lighting conditions in a room and potential glare on the chart can affect the accuracy of the test. Nearsightedness tests often require consistent, controlled lighting conditions, which is not guaranteed with a standard vision chart setup.
  • Accuracy of Results:
    • Using a standard vision chart for nearsightedness can lead to inaccurate results. Myopia tests should measure how well the patient can see at close distances (e.g., reading a book, using a computer), which a wall chart at 3 or 6 meters cannot provide.
  • Lack of Accommodation Measurement:
    • Nearsightedness testing often involves assessing the eye’s ability to accommodate or focus on close objects. A distant vision chart does not test this ability and thus lacks a critical part of the near vision assessment.
  • Overlooking Near Vision Disorders:
    • Standard vision charts may not detect other near vision problems such as presbyopia (age-related difficulty in seeing close objects) or astigmatism, which affects near vision differently.

To effectively test for nearsightedness, a doctor, healthcare provider, optometrist, or ophthalmologist should use specific near vision charts and tools designed for reading distances, typically between 35 and 40 cm from the eyes.

MANUALS & GUIDELINES

Logmar and guidelines

Here you will find useful information about the Health Authority’s new guidelines and what yours mean for your vision tests.

Innovative thinking and unprecedented possibilities to get exactly the eye chart that suits your needs!

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