Potential Complications
The person may be unable to see even
the largest letters.
Other underlying eye issues that may
impair the client to successfully pass the
Snellen visual acuity test such as
cataracts, retinopathy, or retinal
detachment.
Nursing Interventions
Shorten the distance to the chart until it is
seen and record the distance.
If the visual acuity is even lower, assess
whether the person can count your fingers
when they are placed in front of the clients
eyes.
Assess whether the client can distinguish
light perception with your penlight to
assess for further issues other than acuity
that might be impairing the clients eye
sight.
Description of Skill
The Snellen alphabet chart has lines of letters arranged in decreasing size
where the client is instructed to stand 20 feet from the chart and both eyes are
evaluated separately and together while the patient calls out the letters that
are visible in each line.
Nursing Skill NOTES
Indications
The Snellen chart is used to screen
for myopia for impaired far vision and
is the most commonly used and
accurate measure of visual acuity.
Outcomes/Evaluation
If the client has normal visual acuity,
then the nurse will document the
visual acuity of 20/20, where the
client client can read a line from 20
feet away that a person who has
unimpaired vision can read from 20
feet away.
Client Education
The test will be completed
with contacts or glasses if
they are prescribed.
Each eye will be tested
together and then
separately.
See below for Nursing Interventions (pre,
intra, post)
Nursing Interventions (pre, intra,
post)
CONSIDERATIONS
