Synskärpetest

Synskärpetest, often translated as visual acuity test, is a fundamental examination used to measure how clearly a person can see at a distance. This test is crucial for diagnosing refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, as well as other eye conditions that can affect vision. The most common tool used is the Snellen chart, a display of letters or symbols of decreasing size. During the test, the patient stands or sits at a specific distance from the chart and is asked to read the smallest line they can discern. The results are typically recorded as a fraction, such as 20/20, where the numerator represents the distance at which the patient is tested (in feet) and the denominator indicates the distance at which a person with normal vision can read the same line. A 20/20 vision means the person can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can see at 20 feet. Lower numbers in the denominator, like 20/40, indicate poorer vision, requiring larger letters to be read at the standard distance. Conversely, higher numbers, such as 20/10, signify better-than-average vision. Synskärpetest is a painless and quick procedure, often performed as part of routine eye examinations and general health check-ups. It plays a vital role in determining the need for corrective lenses like eyeglasses or contact lenses, and in monitoring the progression of various eye diseases.