SNELLEN CHART Meaning and
Definition
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A Snellen Chart refers to a standardized eye chart that is widely used by ophthalmologists and optometrists to measure visual acuity or the sharpness of an individual's vision. Named after the Dutch ophthalmologist Hermann Snellen who invented it in 1862, this chart consists of multiple rows of letters or symbols in varying sizes. It serves as a tool for assessing an individual's ability to discern and identify letters or shapes at a specific distance.
The Snellen Chart follows a specific format where the largest letters appear at the top, gradually decreasing in size as the rows descend. The standard distance for viewing the chart is 20 feet (6 meters), although it is sometimes adapted for shorter distances as well. The chart is usually displayed on a wall or mounted on a stand in a well-lit room.
To conduct a Snellen Chart test, an individual is asked to cover one eye while keeping the other eye open and read the letters or shapes aloud from top to bottom. The smallest row read correctly determines their visual acuity. The results are then recorded in a fraction format, where the numerator denotes the distance at which the chart was viewed (e.g., 20 feet) and the denominator indicates the distance at which a person with normal vision can identify the same letters at a standard size.
The Snellen Chart is widely utilized not only for routine eye exams but also to measure any visual impairment or changes in vision. It remains a fundamental tool in assessing visual acuity and monitoring eye health.
Common Misspellings for SNELLEN CHART
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Etymology of SNELLEN CHART
The word "Snellen Chart" is named after Hermann Snellen, a Dutch ophthalmologist who developed the chart in 1862. The chart is used for measuring visual acuity and testing the sharpness of one's vision. It consists of several rows of letters or symbols with varying sizes, and the person being tested is asked to read the smallest line they can see clearly. Snellen is widely credited for his contributions to the field of ophthalmology and the development of visual acuity testing.
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