What is the primary purpose of the Snellen chart in eye testing?

What is the primary purpose of the Snellen chart in eye testing?

• A. Hearing acuity
• B. Visual acuity
• C. Tactile sensation
• D. Olfactory function

Answer: (B)

The Snellen chart is used to measure distance visual acuity—the sharpness of sight at a distance. By having a person read letters of decreasing size from a standard distance (usually 20 feet), you identify the smallest line they can correctly identify. This result shows how clearly they can see at a distance and helps detect refractive errors like nearsightedness, guiding prescription for glasses or contact lenses. It does not assess hearing, touch, or the sense of smell.

The Snellen chart is used to measure distance visual acuity—the sharpness of sight at a distance. By having a person read letters of decreasing size from a standard distance (usually 20 feet), you identify the smallest line they can correctly identify. This result shows how clearly they can see at a distance and helps detect refractive errors like nearsightedness, guiding prescription for glasses or contact lenses. It does not assess hearing, touch, or the sense of smell.