When testing vision, how should the test be conducted for each eye?

Testing one eye at a time is essential for accurately assessing individual visual acuity. This method allows the examiner to determine the specific vision capabilities of each eye separately, ensuring that any discrepancies in vision can be identified. When both eyes are tested simultaneously, it can mask conditions affecting one eye, which may lead to an incomplete understanding of the patient's vision.

By focusing on one eye during the examination, healthcare professionals can provide a clearer diagnosis, enabling more precise recommendations for treatment or correction, such as glasses or further evaluation for underlying conditions. Additionally, this method reduces the impact of one eye compensating for the other, leading to a more accurate measurement of visual acuity and overall eye health.

Other approaches, such as testing both eyes at once, could lead to confusion regarding how each eye performs individually, which is crucial for proper optometric evaluation.