Which chart is commonly used to evaluate near vision?

Which chart is commonly used to evaluate near vision?

• A. Jaeger chart
• B. Snellen chart
• C. Ishihara test
• D. Tumbling-E

Answer: (A)

Testing near vision focuses on how well a person can read small print at a close distance, rather than how clearly they see objects far away. The Jaeger chart is designed for this purpose: it presents multiple print sizes on one page and is read at a standard near distance (about 14 inches or 35 cm). This makes it the typical tool to assess near visual acuity and determine if reading glasses are needed. In contrast, the Snellen chart measures distance visual acuity—the ability to identify letters at far distances, usually from 20 feet away. The Ishihara test checks color vision deficiencies, not acuity. The Tumbling-E test is a distance vision chart used for people who may have difficulty identifying letters, such as young children or non-literate patients, and it’s also used at a distance rather than near. So for evaluating near vision, the Jaeger chart is the best choice.

Testing near vision focuses on how well a person can read small print at a close distance, rather than how clearly they see objects far away. The Jaeger chart is designed for this purpose: it presents multiple print sizes on one page and is read at a standard near distance (about 14 inches or 35 cm). This makes it the typical tool to assess near visual acuity and determine if reading glasses are needed.

In contrast, the Snellen chart measures distance visual acuity—the ability to identify letters at far distances, usually from 20 feet away. The Ishihara test checks color vision deficiencies, not acuity. The Tumbling-E test is a distance vision chart used for people who may have difficulty identifying letters, such as young children or non-literate patients, and it’s also used at a distance rather than near.

So for evaluating near vision, the Jaeger chart is the best choice.