Visual acuity during head movements improves with vestibular compensation. So, the aim of DVA testing is to compare visual acuity for when the head is still with the visual acuity for when the head is moving. The test can then be used to evaluate the level of vestibular compensation.

The next step is to ask the patient to read the lowest recognizable line during head movements. This determines the dynamic visual acuity. In normal individuals, visual acuity decreases by fewer than two lines during head movements. After an acute vestibular loss, visual acuity deteriorates significantly during head movements, sometimes by as much as six lines or more. But the performance improves over time due to dynamic compensation, which reduces retinal slip and improves dynamic visual acuity.