Abstract: Objective To explore the feasibility of fixation characteristics to evaluate visual acuity. Methods The fixation characteristics were examined in 75 subjects by MP-1 microperimeter. These subjects were divided into 3 groups： central fixation group, uncertain group and eccentric fixation group, and the differences of visual acuity among them were analyzed. Pearson correlation and regression analysis were performed on visual acuity and average retinal light sensitivity. Results （1） The visual acuity was 4.80±0.16 for central fixation group; 4.20±0.45 for uncertain group; and 3.40±0.57 for eccentric fixation group, respectively. Based on the one-way ANOVA, the visual acuities in the three groups had statistically significant differences （P<0.05）. （2） There was linear relationship between visual acuity （y） and average retinal light sensitivity （x）. And the linear regression equations was y=-18.76+6.21 x. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.707 （P<0.05）. Conclusion There is significant positive correlation between visual acuity and fixation characteristics. Testing of fixation characteristics could be used to assess visual acuity objectively, which has a practical value in forensic clinical medicine.

Key words: forensic medicine, visual acuity, fixation characteristics