What is visual acuity?

Visual acuity refers to the clarity or sharpness of vision, which is a fundamental aspect of how well a person can see. It is often measured using a Snellen chart, where visual acuity is typically expressed as a fraction (e.g., 20/20 vision means a person can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can see at that distance). This definition encompasses the quality and precision of visual perception, which is crucial for tasks such as reading, driving, and any activity requiring detailed vision.

The other options do not accurately describe visual acuity: the ability to see in color pertains to color vision, the range of vision relates to peripheral vision or field of vision, and the speed of visual processing involves how quickly the brain interprets visual information. Visual acuity specifically focuses on the sharpness of vision, making it a critical measure in optometry for assessing a person’s vision health.