During near vision testing, at what distance should the patient hold the reading card?

During near vision testing, at what distance should the patient hold the reading card?

• A. 6 inches
• B. 12 inches
• C. 14-16 inches
• D. 24 inches

Answer: (C)

Near vision testing uses a standard working distance of about 14–16 inches (roughly 35–40 cm). Holding the reading card at this distance matches typical reading practice and lets the eye relax a normal amount of accommodation while still allowing the print to be clearly resolved. If the card is held much closer, like 6 inches, the eye must accommodate more than usual, which can blur the print and give an inaccurate measure of near acuity. If it’s held too far, such as 24 inches, you’re testing at an intermediate distance rather than near, which again doesn’t reflect true near vision. So the 14–16 inch range is the standard for accurate near vision assessment.

Near vision testing uses a standard working distance of about 14–16 inches (roughly 35–40 cm). Holding the reading card at this distance matches typical reading practice and lets the eye relax a normal amount of accommodation while still allowing the print to be clearly resolved. If the card is held much closer, like 6 inches, the eye must accommodate more than usual, which can blur the print and give an inaccurate measure of near acuity. If it’s held too far, such as 24 inches, you’re testing at an intermediate distance rather than near, which again doesn’t reflect true near vision. So the 14–16 inch range is the standard for accurate near vision assessment.