What does the term "visual acuity" refer to?

Visual acuity specifically measures the clarity or sharpness of vision, indicating how well a person can discern fine details at a given distance. It is a crucial aspect of eye health and is typically assessed using an eye chart during an eye examination. High visual acuity indicates that an individual's vision is clear and distinct, whereas lower acuity may signify the presence of refractive errors, eye diseases, or other visual impairments.

The other options provided refer to different aspects of vision. The ability to see colors pertains to color perception, which is distinct from visual acuity. The range of peripheral vision involves the extent of vision outside the direct line of sight, and the speed of visual processing relates to how quickly the brain interprets visual information. While all these aspects contribute to overall visual function, visual acuity explicitly focuses on clarity.