When you hear the phrase "20/20 vision," what comes to mind? Some believe it stands for perfect vision. For others, it's simply a good score on an eye exam. However, there's much more to it than either explanation suggests. Allow us to explore what it means to have 20/20 vision and how this relates to overall eye health.

Visual Acuity

Before we look into 20/20 vision, it’s important to understand some key terms. The word “eyesight” can mean different things in certain contexts. In general, it includes peripheral vision, depth perception, color vision, eye coordination, and visual acuity. 

When someone says they have good eyesight, they often mean good visual acuity (VA). This refers to the clarity of one’s vision at a certain distance. Keep in mind that while optometrists often measure VA during routine eye exams, this is only one metric for determining eye health and overall visual ability.

What Is 20/20 Vision? 

The term "20/20" comes from the Snellen chart, which is one tool often used by optometrists to measure VA. It consists of multiple rows of letters that decrease in size as you progress. You’ve probably seen a version of it at your doctor’s office or eyecare clinic.

Simply put, 20/20 vision refers to normal VA. Someone with this level of clarity can clearly read the last row of the Snellen chart from 20 feet away. However, there are also other visual acuity charts worth mentioning including the Bailey-Lovie, ETDRS, and LEA symbols.

If someone has better than normal vision (e.g., they can see at 20 feet what others can only see at 10 feet), then they might score 20/10 on a VA exam. Similarly, if someone has 20/40 vision, then they may only be able to see at 20 feet what others can see at 40 feet.

Many people hope to receive a score of 20/20 on their exam. However, this score doesn’t necessarily translate to perfect vision. It simply means that at 20 feet, their eyesight falls within the definition of normal VA. However, if their VA falls below this benchmark, then they may be suffering from a refractive error such as nearsightedness or astigmatism.

How Can I Measure My Vision? 

The best way to determine your level of visual acuity is to visit your optometrist. They’ll most likely help you perform an eye refraction exam. This may involve reading a VA chart either unassisted or through a refractor device. Your optometrist may also employ a retinoscope to observe the condition of your retinas.

How to Achieve 20/20 Vision

The simple truth is genetics play a significant role in the quality of one’s vision. If your parents are nearsighted or farsighted, then you’re more likely to develop the same condition. Luckily, there are several ways to improve visual symptoms caused by common refractive errors. 

To achieve optimal sight at any distance, some may need the help of a corrective device such as contacts or prescription lenses. Most optometrists will recommend corrective lenses based on shifts in VA at certain distances. Keep in mind that the numbers in an eyeglass prescription are different than those used in contact lenses and VA exams.

Some patients with refractive errors are good candidates for surgery. Their optometrist may recommend that they see an ophthalmologist who specializes in refractive surgeries like LASIK. While they can be expensive, these solutions are often more permanent than prescription lenses.

We can't overstate the importance of healthy habits when it comes to eyesight. While genetics form the foundation of eyesight, one’s lifestyle also plays a key part. In fact, those with a predisposition to certain eye diseases may reduce their risk by maintaining healthy habits. If you’re interested in preserving your eyesight over your lifetime, then it’s critical to stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, get plenty of sleep, quit smoking, reduce alcohol use, and limit eyestrain as much as possible.

Ask Us about 20/20 Vision

Overall, 20/20 vision refers to normal visual acuity, or clear eyesight at 20 feet. Optometrists generally measure this using a certain chart and refractor devices. Patients who suffer from nearsightedness or farsightedness can often overcome blurry vision by wearing prescription glasses or contact lenses, or sometimes by undergoing surgery. 

If you’re experiencing blurry vision, light sensitivity, or other visual symptoms, then we hope you’ll reach out today for a routine eye exam. Our friendly staff is eager to help you see the world as clearly as possible.