AUTOMATED MEASUREMENT OF VISUAL FAR AND N EAR ACUITY

Background Although the measurement of visual acuity at distance is mo re important in ophthalmological practice, the visual acuity at near s hould be tested additionally. In a recently published paper we showed that with today's computer technology visual acuity at distance can be measured in standardized procedures according to DIN 58220. We descri be here an additional, integrated setup, which allows the measurement of visual acuity also at near. Methods For testing visual acuity at ne ar, the whole set of optotypes is presented on a transparent overlay m ask in front of a computer monitor which is used as a program-controll ed light source. A certain optotype is chosen by illuminating its back ground. The patient's responses are read via a small console by the co mputer. The test procedure follows the DIN requirements. Results and c onclusions First reliability tests showed that the test arrangement is qualified for rapid and standardized determination of visual acuity a t near and at distance under nearly natural viewing conditions.