What is my Visual Acuity?

If you have not been to the eye doctor’s office in the past year or longer, you are due for a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test. Contact our office at (812) 346-2020 to schedule an appointment. We will perform the visual acuity test to gauge whether you can read small print on the standardized eye exam chart, known as the Snellen chart. This test identifies vision problems, setting the stage for treatment that improves eye health and vision. Visual acuity testing requires that the patient remove his or her contact lenses or glasses and sit or stand exactly 20 feet away from an eye chart. One eye is covered while reading aloud the smallest letters seen with the other eye.

If your child is in the office for a visual acuity test, we will perform the test with pictures, lines or numbers as your child might not be able to read at his or her age. The visual acuity test is performed on each eye, one at a time. The eye doctor might also have you read numbers on a card that is within 14 inches of your eyes to gauge your near vision. If the eye doctor determines you cannot see small print at a distance, your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription will be altered accordingly.

To learn more about how visual acuity's are performed visit: http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/visual-acuity?sso=y