EYES & VISION
Eyes: Visual Acuity (Eye test - acuity; Vision test – acuity)
The visual acuity test is used to determine the smallest letters a person can read on a standardized chart or card held 14 - 20 feet away.
This test may be done in a health care provider's office, a school, a work place, or elsewhere. Stand behind a line 20 feet from the eye chart. Remove glasses or contacts. Keep both eyes open and gently cover one eye with the palm of your hand, a piece of paper, or a paper cup while you read out loud the smallest line of letters that you can read on the chart.
If you are not sure of the letter, you may guess. This test is done on each eye, one at a time. If necessary, it is then repeated while you wear your glasses or contacts. You may also be asked to read letters or numbers from a card held 14 inches from your face. This will test your near vision.
Normal results Visual acuity is expressed as a fraction. The top number refers to the distance you stand from the chart. This is usually 20 feet. The bottom number indicates the distance at which a person with normal eyesight could read the same line you correctly read. For example, 20/20 is considered normal. 20/40 indicates that the line you correctly read at 20 feet can be read by a person with normal vision from 40 feet away. Abnormal results may indicate that you need corrective lenses to obtain normal vision, or may indicate an eye condition requiring further evaluation.
EYE INJURY – CHEMICAL:
Question: What should I do when a Chemical Eye injury to the eye occurs?
Answer:
- Turn the victim’s head so the injured eye is down and to the side. Holding the eyelid open, pour fresh water in the eye for 15 minutes, or until you have medical help. You may have to force the victim’s eyes open.
- If both eyes are affected, or if the chemicals are also on other parts of the body, have the victim take a shower.
- Remove contact lenses - but only after the eyes have been rinsed.
- Cover both eyes (even if only one eye is affected) with a clean dressing, and avoid any rubbing of the eyes. Even if only one eye is affected, covering both eyes will help discourage eye movement.
- Call your doctor, 911 or Emergency Room immediately
