Measurement Of Near Visual Acuity.

The search for a reliable and valid near visual acuity chart for the pediatric population is a continuing quest for practitioners. The standard Snellen acuity chart cannot be used for populations where the characters are not recognizable. Therefore, various pediatric acuity charts have been developed to cater to this sector. These acuity charts must be valid not only for children with normal acuity, but also for children with subnormal acuity. In patients with functional amblyopia a definitjve acuity level may not be elicited on charts that do not minimize the crowding effects. This could conceivably lead a practitioner to erroneously estimate a patient's acuity to be at a level other than his/her functional acuity level. Any acuity difficulty must be identified in children as early as possible. This would allow for maximum chance for success with treatment and minimum impairment of learning and comprehension in the classroom. Thus, when choosing a testing procedure, one must consider all the factors that may influence the outcome. There are many factors that can effect the measurement of acuity. This paper will compare and contrast various pediatric near point acuity charts. The various charts will be correlated to the standard Snellen chart. And, the advantages and disadvantages
encountered while using each chart will be discussed.