MyVisionTest Instructions
Instructions for using the video static test
Below are instructions on how to test your vision using our video static vision test known as MyVisionTest (MVT). Should you have any questions or encounter any problems using our test, please consult the support page. You are also welcome to contact us. There is also a demo page where you can practice using the test.
Below is a brief overview of how to use the vision test. Following that are detailed step-by-step instructions.
Instructions in brief
The most challenging part of using this vision test is finding your vision defects within the video static. Not everyone is capable of seeing their vision defects in this way. Research studies have found that at least 75% of people with vision defects secondary to AMD are able to accurately plot their defects using video static. If you are unable to see your vision defects using the video static test, try one of our other vision tests!
Below are two techniques that you can use to help you find your defects using this test:
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Look for regions within the video static that appear dim, cloudy, or relatively motionless.
While staring at the central blue dot, pay attention to the video static on the screen. Do you see any regions where the video static appears less pronounced? The exact appearance of a vision defect varies from person to person, but common descriptions include "cloudy," "dim," or "dark" regions within the video static.
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Look for a "twinkle" after image after the video static stops.
After the video static stops and the screen turns solid gray, it is possible to see "shimmering" or "twinkling" after-images of the vision defects. The after-images have the same size, shape, and location as the actual vision defects, but are often easier to see. However, they will only be visible for a few seconds before fading away.
After you see your vision defect, the rest is relatively easy. Just use your mouse cursor to outline it. Try to match the size, shape, and location of the defect as closely as possible. Changes in your vision defects can signal progression of your macular degeneration. The purpose of the vision test is to help you monitor your vision defects for signs of change.
Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is the step-by-step process that you would follow to check your vision using the video static test.
Preparation
Turn off all assistive software, including JAWS, ZoomText, and any other screen readers or magnification programs. Our goal is to test your vision - NOT the effectiveness of your assistive software.
Wear the eyeglasses you would normally wear to read.
Cover the left eye to test the right. The vision test always assumes that you want to test both eyes, starting with the right eye. If you do not want to test an eye, just click the yellow "Continue" button to skip it.
Position yourself about 16 inches from the computer screen.
Vision Test Procedure
The below picture shows the basic elements of the vision test screen. Each will be explained in detail below.
MVT Test Screen
After loading, the vision test screen will resemble "TV snow" or "static". At the center of the screen is a blue spot, called the fixation point. This is where you should stare throughout the entire vision test. To the right of the fixation point is a blinking yellow-green spot. This is the blind spot monitor. At the top of the screen is a toolbar that is used to control the vision test. The buttons of the toolbar will be explained in detail a little later on.
Position yourself such that the blind spot monitor disappears into your blind spot
Everybody has a normal blind spot in each eye. In the right eye, the blind spot is located to the right of what you look at; and in the left eye it is located to the left of where you look. You can find your own blind spots using the circle and cross below.
How to find your blind spot
- Position yourself about 16 inches from your computer screen
- Close the LEFT eye
- Stare at the CIRCLE with your RIGHT eye
- If you can still see the cross, slowly move closer then further from the screen until it disappears.
- You must keep the left eye closed and your right eye on the circle for the cross to disappear. If you look away from the circle the cross will pop back into view.
- To find the blind spot for the left eye: close the right eye and stare at the cross. Now the circle will disappear!
During the vision test, we will use your blind spots to help you maintain the correct distance from your computer screen.
While staring at the blue fixation point from about 16 inches away, move closer then further until the blinking yellow-green blind spot monitor disappears into your blind spot.
If your computer monitor is too far away from you, or for any other reason you are unable to position yourself such that the blind spot monitor disappears, you have the option of turning it off by selecting the Options button from the toolbar.
Look for vision defects
While staring at the blue dot, take note of any regions where you are unable to clearly see the flickering dots of the video static.
These areas are may appear grey, black, smoky, cloudy, or otherwise different from the remainder of the static. But these areas will always appear to be relatively motionless, because the flickering dots will less visible. These regions are defects in your vision caused by macular degeneration or other conditions.
For some people, their vision defects become more noticeable immediately after the video static disappears. This is known as the afterimage effect. By default, the video static will disappear every few seconds to elicit this effect. If you do not find this to be helpful, you can turn this off by selecting the Options button.
Use your mouse cursor to record any vision defects
If you do not see any defects, press the yellow Continue button to move on.
If you see one or more defects, use the mouse cursor to record each of them.
Record defects by tracing it's outline with the mouse cursor. This will place a red mark over the defect, as illustrated in the movie below.
It is very important not to look away from the fixation point while recording your vision defects.
We offer a high-visibility blue-green spot as a replacement for the standard mouse cursor to make it easier for you to record your defects while keeping your eye on the fixation point. If you prefer the standard arrow cursor, you may change it by selecting the Options button.
How to record your vision defects
Place the mouse cursor at the edge of the defect.
Hold down the left mouse button and drag the cursor around the edge of the defect, then release the mouse button. A red spot will appear as soon as you release the button. Try to approximate the size and position of the defect as closely as you can.
Use the Hide/Show button as an aid in confirming that your drawing matches the size and position of your vision defect. (see below)
Hide your drawings to confirm that they match your defects
You can temporarily hide your drawings at any time. This may be of value in verifying that your drawing closely approximates the size and location of your vision defect. To hide your drawing, click the Hide/Show button. Your drawings will disappear. Then click the button again, and your drawings will reappear. You can repeat this procedure as often as you like until you are confident that your drawing matches the vision defect.
If the size is wrong:
If you are not satisfied that your drawing closely resembles the size of the defect, click the Delete button to remove it, then try drawing it again. Each time you click the Delete button it will delete the most recently drawn defect among those remaining on the screen. It is not possible to undo a deletion. If you mistakenly delete a defect you will need to redraw it.If the position is wrong:
If you are not satisfied that your drawing closely resembles the position of the defect, click and drag defect to a new position. If the defect is located at the edge of the screen, you can drag the drawing off the edge of the screen to as closely approximate the size and position of your vision defect as possible.Once you are fully satisfied with your drawing, check for any additional defects in your vision. Repeat the above procedure to place a red spot over each defect that you find. After all your defects have been recorded, press the yellow Continue button to move on.
Understanding the Toolbar
Across the top of the screen is a series of buttons that you use to control the vision test. The behavior of each button is described in detail below.
The vision test toolbar
In the bottom left corner of the screen is a button labeled with the eye that is currently being tested (pressing this button has no effect). The test is designed to always test the right eye first.
Go Back
Selecting this button will cause you to return to the intro screen while testing the right eye, or return to the right eye vision test screen when testing the left eye. Results are not lost when navigating between screens. This might be beneficial in double-checking yourself prior to saving the results.
Continue
Selecting this yellow-colored button will always take you to the next stage of the test.
Quit
This button will cause you to immediately exit the vision test without saving your results.
Hide/Show
Selecting this button will hide any defects that you have marked on the screen. This may assist you in more accurately marking the size and location of your vision defects. Selecting the button a second time will reveal your drawings. This button is inactive until at least one vision defect has been drawn on the screen.
Delete
Selecting this button will permanently delete your most recently drawn defect. It is not possible to undo this action. Each time you click this button you will delete the most recently drawn defect from those remaining on the screen. For example, if you have drawn three defects, clicking the delete button will remove the defect you drew last, leaving two drawings on the screen. If you click the delete button again, it will remove the defect you drew second, leaving one drawing on the screen. This button is inactive until at least one vision defect has been drawn on the screen. This button becomes inactive when your defects are hidden (see Hide/Show above).
Options
This button will reveal the vision test options dialog box. This is where you can turn off the blind spot monitor, prevent the video static from periodically stopping, and change the mouse cursor.
Help
This button displays interactive help. When this option is active, hovering the mouse cursor over any object on the screen will display information about that object. Pressing this button a second time with turn off interactive help.
Key Points to Remember
Always cover one eye. You will never see a vision defect if you are looking with both eyes
Always stare at the central blue dot. You will never see a vision defect if you move your eye around the screen
Position your head such that the blinking yellow-green spot disappears into your blind spot. If you are a different distance from the screen each time you take the test your results will look different every time.
Outline any defects that you see with the mouse cursor. Accurate drawings will help you to monitor your vision
