visual acuity (VA)

Introduction

Sharpness (discrimination) of central vision, as opposed to peripheral vision. A person's visual acuity is measured during a vision test.

Indications

• screening
• visual impairment

* not enough evidence to recommend for or against screening for impaired visual acuity in primary care

* visual acuity testing can identify impaired acuity, but cannot identify specific causes of visual loss such as

• age-related macular degeneration
• glaucoma
• cataracts

Clinical significance

• near-visual acuity <20/40 with correction suggests significant visual impairment

Management

• referral to optometry for initial evaluation
  • optometry will recommend referral to ophthalmology if needed
• early treatment of cataracts can improve or prevent visual loss

More general terms

• visual function

More specific terms

• near point
• pinhole visual acuity (PH)
• Snellen visual acuity test
• visual acuity at near (Nv)

Additional terms

• blurry vision (decreased visual acuity, DVA)

Patient information

visual acuity patient information