People may brag about having 20/20 vision, but have you ever thought about what that means? In this article, we’ll explain the numbers, how they’re determined, and what having 20/20 vision can mean for your overall eye health.
Have you ever wondered what it means when someone tells you that they have 20/20 vision? You might know that it’s supposed to be a good thing—but what do those numbers actually represent?
Breaking Down the Numbers
Twenty what, exactly?
According to the American Optometric Association, 20/20 vision is defined as “normal” vision when measured at a distance of 20 feet away1.
For humans, 20/200 vision is considered poor distance vision, while 20/10 vision is considered exceptional vision! It’s rare for humans to have better than 20/10 vision—however, birds of prey, like eagles, can have a visual acuity of 20/5 or better2.
On the Eye Chart
When you go to the eye doctor, your vision is measured with a Snellen Chart3, the chart with the printed letters. Your eye doctor will ask you to read as far down on the chart as possible without squinting or visual aids.
If you have 20/20 vision, that means you can clearly see the line that a person with “normal” vision can see when standing 20 feet away from the chart. If you have 20/40 vision, your eyesight is slightly worse, meaning you can see at 20 feet what a person with “normal” vision can see at 40 feet away.
Legal Implications
In most parts of the United States, drivers are required to have a visual acuity (either with or without corrective lenses) of at least 20/404. Individuals with corrected acuity of 20/200 or worse are considered legally blind.
How Good is Good?
Even if you have 20/20 vision in one eye, that might not be true of the other—because left and right eyes can have different visual acuity5. Eye doctors use comprehensive eye exams to determine the prescription you need to be able to see with 20/20 vision.
Regardless of how good your distance vision is, you can still struggle with other vision problems. It’s important to undergo regular eye assessments to measure your near vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, color perception, and ability to perceive contrast. Your eye doctor will also check your overall eye health, including eye pressure, dry eyes, cataracts and retinal conditions.
Contact Vistar Eye Center today for more information or to schedule your routine eye exam.
Frequently-Asked Questions
What does 20/20 vision mean?
20/20 vision is defined as standard or “normal” visual sharpness and clarity when looking at something from 20 feet away.
Is 20/20 vision good?
Yes, 20/20 vision is considered to be good or “normal” distance vision in terms of clarity and sharpness. However, even if you have 20/20 vision, you can still have other vision problems. That’s why it’s important to have regular exams to monitor eye health. Contact Vistar Eye Center today to schedule an appointment.
Can your vision be even better than 20/20?
Even though 20/20 vision is considered very good, it is possible for humans to have vision as good as 20/10. It’s rare for humans to have better vision than 20/10.
How can I get my vision to 20/20?
Even if you don’t naturally have 20/20 vision, eye doctors can help you get there with corrective prescription glasses or contact lenses! A comprehensive eye exam will help your eye doctor determine the right path for you. Contact Vistar Eye Center today to get started. References
- https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/visual-acuity#:~:text=20%2F20%20vision%20is%20normal,be%20seen%20at%20a%20distance
- https://visionscienceacademy.org/eagles-eye-a-perceptive-of-an-environmental-refuge/
- https://www.aao.org/education/image/snellen-chart-2
- https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/legal-vision-requirements-drivers-united-states/2010-12
- https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/visual-acuity
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Whether you need a routine eye exam or advanced specialty vision care, the doctors at Vistar Eye Center are eager to help.
