Visual Acuity

Visual acuity is a measure of the keenness of sight. It has been studied, measured, and analyzed for thousands of years because it represents a fundamental limit in our ability to see. Consequently, visual acuity has been used as a criterion for military service and various other occupations, driving, and for receiving social security benefits. Visual acuity is limited primarily by the optics of the eye and by the anatomy and physiology of the visual system. Eye doctors assess visual acuity to assess the optical and physiological state of the eye and visual pathways. This entry concentrates on defining and specifying visual acuity, including minimum visible, resolvable, recognizable, and discriminable acuity.