EXPERIMENT NO.

8
VISUAL ACUITY, LIGHT AND DARK ADAPTATION, ACCOMMODATION, AND EYE
REFLEXES

Objectives

To know the proper method of measuring visual acuity using Snellen’s chart.
To understand the underlying principles behind light and dark adaptation.
To determine the different physiological aberrations affecting vision.
To learn the proper method of examining superficial eye reflexes.
To demonstrate the integration of different visual functions in the perception of a clear
visual image.

Materials

Snellen’s chart, tape measure, white blank paper, penlight, blindfold

Procedure

A. Visual Acuity
1. The subject (w/o any corrective glasses) should stand at 20 ft distance from the
Snellen’s chart.
2. Determine the line with smallest letters the subject can read correctly.
3. This is done one eye at a time.

B. Dark Adaptation
1. Instruct the subject to look at the bright sky for 5-10 mins.
2. Lead the subject inside a dark room where he will be asked to read the
word/phrase written on the board.
3. Record the delay in mins. before the subject is able to read.

C. Light Adaptation
1. Instruct the subject to close his eyes for 5 mins.
2. Then let him look at a white blank paper.
3. Take note of the images seen.

D. Eye Reflexes

PUPILLARY LIGHT REFLEX

1. Cover one eye using your hand.
2. Flash a light over the uncovered eye and observe the response of the pupil.
3. Do it to the other eye.
4. Observe also the response of the other eye while testing pupillary reflex.
ACCOMMODATION REFLEX
1. Observe the eyes when focus is shifted from distant object (>20 ft) to an
object in your front.
2. Take note of the behavior of the eyeballs and the size of the pupils.
CORNEAL (BLINK) REFLEX
1. Move your hand swiftly towards the subject’s eye.
2. Take note of the response.
Guide Questions

1. Define and discuss the structure & function of the eye and its components
2. Trace the pathway of visual impulses from the retina to the occipital cortex.
3. Discuss the visual processes involved in light and dark adaptation and its significance
4. Discuss the visual processes involved in accommodation and its significance
5. Discuss the visual processes involved in protective eye reflexes and its significance
 WORKSHEET NO. 8
VISUAL ACUITY, LIGHT AND DARK ADAPTATION, ACCOMMODATION, AND EYE
REFLEXES

Names:___________________________________________ Date: _______________

Year and Section/Group No.:__________ Total: ______/35

1. Record your findings and observations (12 points)

PROCEDURES OBSERVATIONS
Visual Acuity

Dark Adaptation

Light Adaptation

Pupillary Light Reflex

Accommodation Reflex

Corneal Reflex

2. Define and discuss the structure & function of the eye and its components (10 points)

3. Trace the pathway of visual impulses from the retina to the occipital cortex. (7 points)
4. Discuss the visual processes involved in light and dark adaptation and its significance (2
points)

5. Discuss the visual processes involved in accommodation and its significance (2 points)

6. Discuss the visual processes involved in protective eye reflexes and its significance (2
points)

Participation of the Members:

Member Contribution