Which statement about the Tangent Screen is true?

Which statement about the Tangent Screen is true?

• A. It uses a black or gray matte-finished cloth
• B. It is used to test color vision
• C. It measures central visual acuity only
• D. It is a type of contact lens fitting device

Answer: (A)

The Tangent Screen is a tool for measuring visual acuity using a controlled, glare-free background. It relies on a black or gray matte-finished cloth to minimize reflections and create a uniform field so the patient can clearly see the test letters without stray light affecting their judgment. This setup lets the examiner obtain an accurate acuity measurement at a fixed distance. It isn’t used for color vision testing (that uses color plates like Ishihara) and it isn’t a device for fitting contact lenses. While it does serve to assess acuity, the key feature that makes this statement true is the matte, low-glare surface of the screen.

The Tangent Screen is a tool for measuring visual acuity using a controlled, glare-free background. It relies on a black or gray matte-finished cloth to minimize reflections and create a uniform field so the patient can clearly see the test letters without stray light affecting their judgment. This setup lets the examiner obtain an accurate acuity measurement at a fixed distance. It isn’t used for color vision testing (that uses color plates like Ishihara) and it isn’t a device for fitting contact lenses. While it does serve to assess acuity, the key feature that makes this statement true is the matte, low-glare surface of the screen.