TikTok viral eye test sparks anxiety

A viral TikTok trend claiming to diagnose binocular vision dysfunction has triggered widespread anxiety online — and opticians have warned that it could put patients at risk. 

The videos encouraged users to perform simple ‘tests’ with their thumbs or head movements, claiming that certain outcomes indicate they have BVD.  

Jo Lindley, a UK optometrist and head of clinical services at Leightons Opticians, said the videos were spreading confusion and could delay people from seeking proper diagnosis and care.

‘We’re seeing real fear in the comments, and that’s understandable,’ Lindley said. ‘But TikTok cannot diagnose health issues.’