SNELLEN Meaning and
Definition
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Snellen is an adjective that refers to a standardized method used to evaluate and measure visual acuity, particularly in individuals with impaired or normal vision. The term is primarily associated with the Snellen chart, also known as the Snellen eye chart, which was developed by Hermann Snellen, a Dutch ophthalmologist, in the 1860s.
The Snellen chart consists of several rows of letters or symbols in various sizes, progressively decreasing in magnitude from the top to the bottom. The test is conducted by positioning the individual at a given distance from the chart, typically 20 feet in most countries, and they are asked to identify each letter or symbol. The clarity and accuracy of their responses determine their visual acuity, expressed as a fraction, such as 20/20, where the numerator indicates the distance at which they can read the line on the chart while the denominator represents the average distance at which individuals with normal eyesight can read that line.
The Snellen chart remains an integral tool in optometric examinations and eye clinics worldwide. It serves as a standard reference to assess and compare visual acuity among the general population and helps professionals diagnose and monitor eye conditions, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and amblyopia (lazy eye). The Snellen test has been adapted and modified over time, leading to the development of additional visual acuity charts and digital versions, but the Snellen chart remains the most widely recognized and used method for measuring visual acuity.
Common Misspellings for SNELLEN
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Etymology of SNELLEN
The word "Snellen" is derived from the surname of the Dutch ophthalmologist Hermann Snellen. Dr. Snellen developed the Snellen chart, which is used to test visual acuity. The Snellen chart consists of rows of letters in decreasing size, and it is commonly used by optometrists and ophthalmologists to assess a person's ability to see objects at a specific distance. As a tribute to Dr. Snellen's contribution to the field of eye examination, the term "Snellen" is used to refer to this particular type of eye chart.
Similar spelling words for SNELLEN
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