The J1 paragraph on a Jaeger card is usually considered the near vision equivalent of 20/20 vision on a distance eye chart. Some Jaeger charts have an additional paragraph labeled J1+ that may be even smaller than the J1 block of text. The font size on a modern Jaeger eye chart usually ranges from J10 (about 14-point type in Times New Roman font) to J1 (about 3-point type in Times New Roman). Modern Jaeger charts are not standardized, so the letter sizes on different Jaeger cards can vary slightly. There have been several modifications of the Jaeger chart (or “Jaeger card”) by different manufacturers since its invention in 1867. The chart is moved forward and back until you are able to read a certain type size. The chart is held at a specific reading distance (such as 14 inches) and you are asked to read the passage with the smallest type you can see. Studies have shown that the measurements taken using a tumbling E chart are virtually the same as the measurements from a standard Snellen eye chart.Ī Jaeger eye chart contains several blocks of gradually larger text and is used to test near vision.Ī Jaeger eye chart can be used in two different ways, depending on what your eye doctor is trying to measure: The tumbling E chart features the same scale as a standard Snellen eye chart, except all characters on the chart are a capital letter “E,” rotated in different increments of 90 degrees.ĭuring a tumbling E test, the eye doctor will ask the person being tested to use either hand (with their fingers extended) to show which direction the “fingers” of the E are pointing: right, left, up or down. The patient has a handicap that makes it difficult or impossible to recognize letters or read them aloud. This test may be used in the following scenarios:Ī young child is having an eye test and either doesn’t know the alphabet or is too shy to read letters aloud. In these situations, the doctor might use a modification of the Snellen test called a “ tumbling E ” chart.

Sometimes eye doctors can’t use a standard Snellen eye chart. If you can read the bottom row of letters, your visual acuity (sharpness) is very good.ĭownload a Snellen eye chart “Tumbling E” eye chart Lower rows that also contain letters, but get progressively smaller.ĭuring an eye exam, your eye doctor will ask you to find the smallest line of letters you can read, then ask you to read it. Most of them include:Ī top row with only one letter, often a big “E.” Other letters can also be used. Today, there are many variations of the Snellen test. How a Snellen chart and a 'tumbling E' chart might look at your eye doctor's office.

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