Testing Visual Acuity

Abstract

Measurement of visual acuity is the most important test of vision performed by the doctor and yet it is surprising how often it is omitted in examination by the non-specialist. It has already been shown that the differential diagnosis of the red eye can be simplified by noting the vision in the affected eye. After injuries of the eye it is just as important to note the vision in the uninjured eye as it is to note that in the injured eye. Simple measurement of the visual acuity is, of course, of limited value without a knowledge of the spectacle correction or whether the patient is wearing the appropriate spectacles.