Skip to content

Snellen Chart

Snellen Chart

Snellen eye chart

Adapted from the National Eye Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health. Available online: http://www.nei.nih.gov

A Snellen chart is used to test far vision. It has several rows of letters. The letters on the top line are the largest; those on the bottom line are the smallest. You stand 20 ft (6 m) from the chart, cover one eye, and read the smallest row of letters you can see on the chart.

Current as of: June 5, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.