In the United Kingdom, it’s alarming just how many people have never been to get their eyes tested, with a high percentage of those who have having never been since their school days. Given just how valuable our eyes have become to our quality of life and work, it’s amazing how many people don’t bother to get them tested (particularly when you take into account that some illnesses can be diagnosed early by an eye test).
Perhaps one of the reasons people don’t bother to get their eyes tested is because they consider it to be a slight hassle, or because they have a phobia about their eyes being touched. It’s simply not necessary to be this concerned however, as you can now test your eyes yourself via your mobile; even using the application to find out your prescription.
The application comes from the team at MIT Media Lab, who have found a way to bring eye testing to anyone, anywhere. The application works via a small plastic device which is clipped to your phone, acting as a lens through which to view the phone screen. You then look down through the lens at your phone’s screen and take part in the test via your phone’s arrow keys.
The whole test is complete in under two minutes and will not only reveal whether or not you need glasses, but will also tell you the level of prescription glasses you need. This could be extremely useful if you don’t want to take a trip to the high street, as you can test your eyes, find your prescription and purchase your prescription sunglasses without even leaving your home.
The app was originally conceived to help people living in developing countries who don’t have access to eye testing facilities; allowing them to take better care of their eyes.
You can find out more about the app by searching for ‘MIT Optometry App’; there’s also a video on YouTube that will take you through the whole process and show you how the application works. If you are worried about your vision and you’re unable or unwilling to make it to an opticians, this application could be just what you need to put your mind at rest, instead of just putting on your sunglasses and not worrying about it.
