Illinois Vision Certification Practice Test

Which test is also known as Muscle Balance in the Massachusetts Battery?

1. Visual Acuity

2. Phoria

3. Hyperopia

4. Eye coordination

The correct answer is: Phoria

The test referred to as "Muscle Balance" in the Massachusetts Battery is the Phoria test. This test evaluates the alignment and coordination of the eyes and is crucial for understanding how well the eyes work together, particularly when assessing binocular vision. Phorias are latent deviations of the eye that become evident when both eyes are required to focus on a target, and they provide insight into muscle control and balance between the left and right eye. Understanding phorias is important in vision therapy and clinical practices, as they can indicate how well a person's eye muscles are functioning without interference from sensory inputs. This evaluation helps clinicians develop appropriate treatment plans for individuals who may experience issues with eye alignment, leading to better visual performance and comfort. In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of vision assessment: Visual Acuity measures clarity of vision, Hyperopia refers to a refractive error where distant objects may be seen more clearly than near ones, and Eye Coordination assesses the ability of both eyes to work together effectively, but does not specifically refer to the measurement of latent muscle balance.