Which term describes the closest distance that can be resolved in a corrected eye?

• A. Far Point
• B. Near Point
• C. Distal Point
• D. Proximal Point

Answer: (D)

The closest distance at which a corrected eye can resolve an object is the near point. This is the minimum object distance at which the eye can still form a sharp image on the retina by using accommodation. With the eye corrected for refractive error, the far point effectively lies at infinity, meaning distant objects can be seen clearly when the eye is relaxed for distance vision; the near point, however, depends on how much the eye can accommodate. In a young adult, the near point is typically around 10 cm, and it moves farther away with age as accommodation decreases (presbyopia). Proximal point and distal point aren’t used for describing this concept, and the far point refers to the farthest distance that can be seen clearly with relaxed accommodation.