Vision Checker

The Vision Journal · 20 illustrated guides

See the bigger
picture.

Practical answers about everyday vision, eye conditions, and the technology changing eye care. Written from public-health and clinical sources, in plain language.

Explore the guides Screening is a starting point, not a diagnosis.
Illustrated eye and digital screenStart here · Screen lifeDigital eye strain: why screens make eyes feel tired

A field guide to vision

Explore all 20 stories

Browse by theme, then follow the links within each article for more detail.

Illustration for Digital eye strain: why screens make eyes feel tired01

Screen life

Digital eye strain: why screens make eyes feel tired

Screens can leave your eyes dry, blurry, or tired. Learn what changes at the desk and which adjustments may help.

Read article
Illustration for The 20-20-20 rule: a simple screen break02

Screen life

The 20-20-20 rule: a simple screen break

A memorable habit for long screen sessions, with a few practical details that make it easier to use.

Read article
Illustration for Blue-light glasses: what the evidence actually says03

Screen life

Blue-light glasses: what the evidence actually says

Blue light gets a lot of attention, but eye discomfort and sleep are different questions.

Read article
Illustration for Dry eyes and screen time: signs, causes, and next steps04

Everyday vision

Dry eyes and screen time: signs, causes, and next steps

A scratchy or burning eye can even water. Here is why the tear film matters and when to get help.

Read article
Illustration for Myopia in children: outdoor time, screens, and eye exams05

Everyday vision

Myopia in children: outdoor time, screens, and eye exams

Why distant objects blur for a child and what families can discuss with an eye doctor.

Read article
Illustration for What does 20/20 vision really mean?06

Vision basics

What does 20/20 vision really mean?

A plain-language guide to the number on an eye chart and what it cannot tell you.

Read article
Illustration for 20/40 vision explained without the jargon07

Vision basics

20/40 vision explained without the jargon

What the 20/40 fraction describes, why one reading can vary, and what to do with the result.

Read article
Illustration for Can an online vision test replace an eye exam?08

Vision basics

Can an online vision test replace an eye exam?

What a home chart can measure, what it misses, and how to use one responsibly.

Read article
Illustration for Astigmatism explained: why vision can look smeared09

Vision basics

Astigmatism explained: why vision can look smeared

A common focusing error, the symptoms it can cause, and how an eye exam checks it.

Read article
Illustration for Presbyopia: why near print gets harder with age10

Vision basics

Presbyopia: why near print gets harder with age

The normal age-related focusing change behind the urge to hold a menu farther away.

Read article
Illustration for Cataracts: early signs and how treatment works11

Eye conditions

Cataracts: early signs and how treatment works

Cloudier vision, glare, and faded colors can have more than one cause. Learn what cataracts are.

Read article
Illustration for Glaucoma: why early detection matters12

Eye conditions

Glaucoma: why early detection matters

Glaucoma can affect side vision before you notice a problem in everyday life.

Read article
Illustration for Age-related macular degeneration: central vision changes13

Eye conditions

Age-related macular degeneration: central vision changes

Why straight lines may look wavy and what an eye exam can reveal about the macula.

Read article
Illustration for Diabetes and your eyes: why screening matters14

Eye conditions

Diabetes and your eyes: why screening matters

Diabetic retinopathy may develop before vision feels different, making scheduled checks important.

Read article
Illustration for Floaters and flashes: when to seek urgent help15

Eye conditions

Floaters and flashes: when to seek urgent help

Most floaters are harmless, but a sudden shower of new ones needs a different response.

Read article
Illustration for Contact lens safety: small habits that protect your eyes16

Everyday vision

Contact lens safety: small habits that protect your eyes

Contacts are medical devices. Fit, hygiene, and a backup pair of glasses all matter.

Read article
Illustration for LASIK basics: what laser vision surgery changes17

Technology

LASIK basics: what laser vision surgery changes

Laser surgery can reduce dependence on glasses for some people, but candidacy and expectations matter.

Read article
Illustration for OCT eye scans: a cross-section of the retina18

Technology

OCT eye scans: a cross-section of the retina

Optical coherence tomography creates detailed retinal images that a letter chart cannot provide.

Read article
Illustration for AI retinal screening: promise and limits19

Technology

AI retinal screening: promise and limits

How software can analyze eye photographs for certain disease signs, and why a clear result has a defined scope.

Read article
Illustration for Smartphone vision tests: useful tool or false reassurance?20

Technology

Smartphone vision tests: useful tool or false reassurance?

A phone can display a chart, but screen size and viewing distance create real limits.

Read article

A note on trust

Learn, then look closer.

These guides explain general information and link to their sources. They are not individualized medical advice. A sudden loss of sight, many new floaters with flashes, a shadow across vision, or severe eye pain needs urgent medical care.

Try the 1-meter vision check