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Previously I have written on my blog about the importance of good eyesight for speed reading. In addition, I have provided you some tips about how to keep a good near vision

Today I will tell you how you can easily test your eyesight online, without going to the doctor. Of course it is recommended that you check your vision regularly at a specialist, but this is for a quick test for being sure that everything is ok.

When talking about testing eyesight we have to distinguish between two types of eyesight. Near vision is an ability to see objects clearly at 30-50cm. As this is our usual reading distance then it is the near vision that affects our reading speed.

Distant vision is an ability to see far objects, which can be meters of even kilometers away from our eye. Although we do not read texts usually at these distances, reading can affect our distant vision. Therefore it is recommended to also check your distant vision regularly.

For testing your near vision you can use a following test. For doing that test you will need to print a following chart

Perform this test in a well lit room. Do not take this test if you are tired. Wear the glasses or contact lenses you normally use for reading. Keep both eyes open. Hold the Near Vision Chart about 14 inches (35 cm) away from your eyes. If your near vision is OK then you should be able to read the sentences printed on the chart as well as the row of the “C’s” (you should be able to tell where each opening is in the row of “C’s”)

For testing your distant vision you can print a test chart here

Perform this test in a well lit room. Tape the first page of the chart to a bare wall with no windows. The chart should be at your eye level. Stand 10 feet (3m) away from the chart. If you already have glasses for distance vision, wear them during the test. You should perform this test separately with each eye, so cover one eye for taking the test. Read each of the letters from left to right starting with the largest line. Continue moving through the chart to the smallest letter you are able to read. You may write down the letters as you see them. You pass a line when you can correctly read at least 3 out of 5 letters. Write down the lowest line on the chart that you passed.

Adults should be able to read the 20/40 line with each eye. You passed the test if you passed the 20/40, 20/32 or 20/20 line in each eye.

So you can use these test for making a quick check-up for your eyesight. If you find that it is not up to the required standards then you should visit your doctor.

kristjan Speed Reading eyesight, reading speed, vision

In order to read fast you have to see the text clearly. It is very difficult to speed read if you do not have good eyesight. As we read texts from short distances (for example from a book or computer screen) then it is the near-vision, which is important for speed-reading. If you are short-sighted and cannot see clearly at longer distances, for example 2 meters or 200 meters, then it is not a problem for you, because you can still see well at the distances needed for reading – approximately 30 to 35 centimeters when reading from paper.

The bad thing is that our near-vision is likely to deteriorate, once we start getting older. The problems most commonly begin in our forties or fifties. So, to still be able to read, people will have to start wearing glasses. Near-vision problems are likely to progress with age, and prescription renewals are in order every couple of years. The bad thing is that at some age your vision may get so bad that even wearing glasses will not help any more. And from that point on it becomes really difficult for you to read.

Still, there are many things we can do to prevent the loss of eyesight. Our reading habits, life style, nutrition etc. will all have an effect on our eyesight.

You should check your eyesight at least once a year. If you cannot see the text you read clearly then glasses will be prescribed to you. This can increase your reading speed significantly. If you already use glasses for reading, then it is better to wear them always while reading or working with your computer.

You should not read while lying on a bed or sofa. It is difficult to keep an equal and optimal distance between the text and your eyes reading like that. When lying on a bed, your eyes are looking upwards instead of looking slightly downwards, which is the normal reading position. As a result, the muscles in your eyes will get tired more easily.

Avoid reading in a moving car or bus. If you do so, then you will not be able to keep the distance between the text and your eyes steady, as the driving vehicle will shake the book or paper you are reading. It will cause your eyes to become tired and if you practice that kind of reading habit regularly, it may trigger eyesight problems.

You need proper light conditions for reading. There has to be enough light for you to see the text clearly. Very bright lights however, will irritate the eyes. That is why you should have a good reading lamp, which guarantees that the texts you are reading are properly lit. There should also be a background light in the room, when using a computer – if there is a sharp contrast between the brightly lit computer screen and the dark background, your eyes will get tired soon.

Live an active lifestyle! It means that you should have enough physical activities. It is a good idea to practice sports where you have to look at longer distances. For example if you go running, play football or basketball then your eyes focus on much longer distances in comparison to the ones that you have when working in the office. Looking at longer distances will allow your eyes to rest.

Your eyes will also need the right diet. You have probably heard that eating a lot of carrots is good for your eyesight. While this is true, there are more foods that your eyes will benefit from. You will get vitamin A from carrots, but your eyes also need vitamins C and E. Vitamin C can be found in most fruits and vegetables, while vitamin E is found mainly in foods of plant origin such as whole grains, nuts, peanut butter, salad dressings and vegetable oils.

Your eyes also need fatty acids, so you will benefit from consuming monosaturated fat. Although many people try to keep their fat consumption down in order to lose weight, you cannot eliminate fat totally from your diet. That’s because fatty acids enable the body to absorb and utilize vitamins. If you avoid fatty acids, you will not fully benefit from the vitamins in the food (which are good for your eyes). Olive oil, for example, is rich in monosaturated fat. Replace your other vegetable oil with a good quality olive oil. You can find monosaturated fat also from canola and peanut oils, avocados, olives and many nuts and seeds.

kristjan Speed Reading eyes, eyesight, good eyesight, reading habits, speed reading, vision