Which of the following charts is used to assess the near vision?

Appeared in: DSSSB 13 August 2024

Explanation

Jaeger's chart is the standard tool for assessing near vision.
It consists of a handheld card with paragraphs of text in various sizes, from J1 (largest) to J16 (smallest).
The patient is asked to read the smallest print they can from a standard reading distance (about 14 inches or 35 cm).
This test is primarily used to evaluate for presbyopia (age-related difficulty with near vision) and hyperopia.

Option A: The Ishihara chart is composed of plates with colored dots that form numbers or patterns. Its purpose is to test for color vision deficiency, not visual acuity.
Option B: Perimetry is a functional test that maps a patient's visual field. It is used to detect blind spots or defects in peripheral vision, often associated with glaucoma or neurological issues.
Option D: The Snellen chart, with its large letters decreasing in size, is the standard for measuring distance visual acuity from 20 feet (6 meters).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Assessment of Visual Acuity as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses frequently perform basic vision screenings. Using the correct chart is fundamental to gathering accurate data and identifying patients who need a referral to an ophthalmologist.
Difficulty reading the Jaeger's chart is a classic sign of presbyopia, a condition that affects most adults over the age of 40. This assessment helps in counseling patients about the need for reading glasses.
What if? If a 50-year-old patient reports no issues with driving but complains of headaches and eye strain when reading, the nurse should prioritize a near vision assessment with a Jaeger's chart, as a Snellen chart test would likely be normal.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'assess the near vision'.
Mentally review the purpose of each chart listed in the options.
Recall that the Snellen chart is the common eye chart for distance vision (far away).
Remember that the Ishihara test uses colored dots to check for color blindness.
Recognize that perimetry is a specialized test for the entire field of vision, not just near acuity.
By elimination, or by direct recall, identify Jaeger's chart as the specific tool for near vision testing.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QfurW6F52jSD5qPzJ3WcXd

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 78-80

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 1716-1718

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 158-160

Practise the full DSSSB 13 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.