Learn how to assess visual acuity using a Snellen chart as a nurse.
In nursing school, you will have to complete a nursing head-to-toe assessment and during this assessment you may have to assess visual acuity using the Snellen chart.
What cranial nerve is tested when assessing vision with a Snellen chart? Cranial nerve II
Video on How to Use a Snellen Chart
To test visual acuity, use a Snellen chart and have the patient wear glasses or contact lenses if they normally wear them.
- Have patient stand 20 feet from chart
- Tell the patient to first cover the right eye, then left eye, and lastly read the chart with both eyes.
- While the patient covers the right eye first, tell the patient to read the lowest line they can read with ease.
- Repeat this with the left eye and then both eyes (remember each line read by the patient).
Results: If the patient can read line 8, their vision is 20/20, which means that the patient can see the same line of letters at 20 feet that a person with normal vision can see at 20 feet.
However, let’s say the patient can only read line 6 with the left eye. This means the patient has 20/30 in this eye, which means the patient can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can see at 30 feet.
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