title: Updating the classical approach to visual acuity.
abstract: The classical account of visual acuity incorporates optical, anatomical and physiological components. Knowledge of these helps to put into perspective recent scientific advances that have clinical implications. They include the development of active optical devices for neutralising aberrations in peripheral zones of the pupil, with the potential of improving the eye's imagery beyond its customary limit. In another application of modern optical and electronic instrumentation, the quality of retinal images in young eyes has been compared with that in the aged. This has led to a better understanding of the choice of contrast patterns to enhance visual acuity in older patients.