The Snellen Eye Chart
A Tool for Measuring Visual Acuity
What is a Snellen Chart?
A Snellen chart is an eye chart that is used to measure visual acuity, which is how clearly a person can see. The chart consists of rows of letters, each row being a different size. The top row is the largest and the bottom row is the smallest. When a person looks at the chart, they are asked to read the smallest row that they can see clearly. The distance between the person and the chart is then used to calculate their visual acuity.
Who Invented the Snellen Chart?
The Snellen eye chart was invented by the Dutch ophthalmologist Herman Snellen in 1862. Snellen was a pioneer in the field of ophthalmology and his chart is still the most widely used method for measuring visual acuity today.
Uses of the Snellen Chart
The Snellen chart is used in a variety of settings, including:
- Eye doctor's offices
- Schools
- Workplaces
- Military
- Sports physicals
The Snellen chart is a valuable tool for assessing visual acuity and helping to ensure that people have the best possible vision.
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