Checklist: Symptoms of a Vision Problem

If you experience more than one of the problems on the list, it may be time to contact an optometrist for a comprehensive visual assessment.

Adults and children alike constantly use their near vision in the high-demand and high-tech atmosphere of school and workplace. This heavy load on the visual system contribute to a wide variety of problems such as headaches, blurred vision, and more.

Many people who report symptoms have great eyesight (acuity) at distance so, therefore, overlook the visual component of these symptoms. People tend to assume their general practitioner, pediatrician, or other health professional will identify visual problems but unfortunately that is not necessarily the case.

The questions in this self-test cover the most common symptoms optometrists observe in their patients. If you experience more than one of the problems on the list, it may be time to contact an optometrist for a comprehensive visual assessment.  Take this checklist with you to your appointment.

Checklist: Do you have a vision problem?

Do you enjoy reading?   Y / N

Do you think you should be able to read faster?   Y / N

Do you understand what you read as well as you’d like? Y / N

Do you find it’s an effort to maintain your concentration while reading? Y / N

Do you tend to skip words or lines of print while reading? Y / N

Do you ever experience double vision while reading? Y / N

Do you tend to lose your place while reading or copying? Y / N

After reading, do you look up and notice that distant objects are blurred? Y / N

Does print appear blurry after reading for a while? Y / N

Do your eyes: (check any that apply)    Ο Itch  Ο Burn  Ο Water  Ο Pull    Ο Ache

Do words appear to float or move while reading? Y / N

Do you tend to use your finger or a marker to keep your place while reading or copying? Y / N

Do you have to re-read words or lines while reading?  Y / N

Do your eyes feel tired at the end of the day? Y / N

Do you sometimes have to squint, get very close, or cover an eye while reading?   Y / N

Do you ever experience headaches during or after reading? Y / N

Are you especially sensitive to sunlight or glare? Y / N

Are you aware of any tendency to move your head closer to, or away, from what you’re reading?  Y / N

When you use a computer or mobile device, does the screen bother your eyes? Y / N

How long can you read before you are aware of your eyes getting tired? _______________

How many hours daily do you spend at a desk, computer, reading, or at other arms-length visual activities?  _____________________

The questions in this self-test cover the most common symptoms optometrists observe in their patients. If you experience more than one of the problems on the list, it may be time to contact an optometrist for a comprehensive visual assessment.  Take this checklist with you to your appointment.

You can find an optometrist near you

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References

BABO Informational pamphlet “Do you have a vision problem?”

Find a Provider trouble reading vision problem headache blurry vision double vision squint reading checklist visual skills lazy eye childrens vision

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