Which method is used to measure visual acuity during an eye examination?

The Snellen chart is a standardized tool widely used to measure visual acuity during eye examinations. It consists of letters or symbols arranged in rows of decreasing size. Patients are asked to read the smallest letters they can discern from a specified distance, typically 20 feet. This method quantifies visual acuity and helps in diagnosing vision problems.

The Snellen chart allows healthcare providers to determine both the clarity of vision and whether corrective lenses are needed. This method is straightforward and provides a reliable assessment, making it a preferred choice in clinical settings.

Other methods mentioned have specific purposes but do not measure visual acuity directly. For instance, reading a piece of paper from a close distance is not a standardized method for assessing visual acuity and may not accurately reflect how a person sees at a distance, which is what the Snellen chart does. Confrontation visual field testing assesses peripheral vision rather than acuity. A visual depth perception test evaluates the ability to perceive depth and distance but does not provide an assessment of sharpness or clarity of vision.