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visual acuity (VA)
Sharpness (discrimination) of central vision, as opposed to peripheral vision. A person's visual acuity is measured during a vision test.
Indications:
- *screening
- visual impairment
* not enough evidence to recommend for or against screening for impaired visual acuity in primary care [1]
* visual acuity testing can identify impaired acuity, but cannot identify specific causes of visual loss such as
- age-related macular degeneration
- glaucoma
- cataracts
Clinical significance:
- near-visual acuity <20/40 with correction suggests significant visual impairment [2]
Management:
- referral to optometry for initial evaluation
- optometry will recommend referral to ophthalmology if needed
- early treatment of cataracts can improve or prevent visual loss
Related
blurry vision (decreased visual acuity, DVA)
Specific
near point
pinhole visual acuity (PH)
Snellen visual acuity test
visual acuity at near (Nv)
General
visual function
References
- US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
Screening for Impaired Visual Acuity in Older Adults.
US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.
JAMA. 2016;315(9):908-914
PMID: 26934260
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2497913
- US Preventive Services Task Force
Screening for Impaired Visual Acuity in Older Adults.
US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.
JAMA. Published online May 24, 2022
PMID: 35608838
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2792705
- Chou R, Bougatsos C, Jungbauer R et al
Screening for Impaired Visual Acuity in Older Adults.
Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the
US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA. Published online May 24, 2022
PMID: 35608842
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2792706
- Coleman AL, McLeod SD
Screening for Impaired Visual Acuity in Older Adults
JAMA. Published online May 24, 2022
PMID: 35608845
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2792708
- Varadaraj V, Ehrlich JR, Swenor BK
Vision Impairment Has Implications for Aging and Health Outcomes,
Beyond Ophthalmology.
JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(5):e2214610.
PMID: 35608864 Free article
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2792603
- Geriatric Review Syllabus, 9th edition (GRS9)
Medinal-Walpole A, Pacala JT, Porter JF (eds)
American Geriatrics Society, 2016