20/20 vision is often seen as the benchmark for visual acuity. This term is often used by eye care professionals to describe clear and sharp vision at a standard distance.
Here, we will learn more about what 20/20 vision is, why it is significant and how it relates to your overall eye health.
Understanding 20/20 Vision
20/20 vision describes normal visual acuity, measured at a distance of 20 feet. In Australia, we use the term 6/6 vision. This measures vision at 6 metres.
It is important to understand, however, that 20/20 vision does not equate to perfect vision. It merely indicates the sharpness or clarity of vision at a specific distance without reflecting the overall health or functionality of your eyes.
Key Points About 20/20 or 6/6 Vision:
- Standard of Normal Vision
20/20 (6/6) vision indicates you can see what the average person sees at 20 feet or 6 metres. This is considered the standard for normal visual acuity. - Not Perfect Vision
Having 20/20 (6/6) vision does not account for other visual skills such as eye coordination, peripheral awareness, depth perception, contrast sensitivity and colour perception. - Measurement
20/20 (6/6) vision is measured using an eye chart, specifically a Snellen chart. This term 20/20 originates from the distance of 20 feet which is used to determine the clarity of vision.When you can read the letters on the ‘20’ line of the chart from 20 feet away, you are said to have 20/20 vision.
The Role of the Snellen Chart
The Snellen chart, developed by Dutch ophthalmologist Herman Snellen in 1862, is the standard tool used to measure visual acuity. During an eye exam, you are asked to read letters of decreasing size from a set distance (usually 20 feet, or 6 metres).
Your ability to read these letters determines your visual sharpness at that distance. This measurement helps eye care professionals assess whether you meet the minimum vision requirements for activities like driving or certain occupations.
More Than Just Sharpness of Vision
While 20/20 vision is often equated with good eyesight, it doesn’t encompass all aspects of visual function. Good vision includes several other factors:
- Peripheral Awareness (Visual Fields): The ability to see objects outside of your direct line of sight.
- Eye Coordination
How well your eyes work together. - Depth Perception
The ability to judge the distance and three-dimensional relation of objects. - Focusing Ability
How well your eyes can maintain clear vision on objects at various distances. - Colour Vision
The ability to distinguish different colours.
Vision Correction and 20/20 Vision
If your vision falls short of 20/20, it could be due to refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. These common issues can often be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive lens exchange surgery.
Achieving 20/20 vision through these corrections may help to improve quality of life by ensuring the minimum vision requirements for daily tasks and activities.
- Glasses and Contact Lenses
These are the most common solutions for correcting refractive errors, helping to restore normal visual acuity. - Eye Surgery
Options like laser eye surgery can provide a more permanent solution to vision correction, helping achieve 20/20 vision for many people.
Maintaining Good Vision
Regular eye exams are crucial in maintaining good vision and overall eye health. Even if you have 20/20 vision, you could still have underlying eye conditions that need attention.
Comprehensive eye exams can detect problems early, ensuring timely treatment and preventing vision loss.
Benefits of Regular Eye Exams include:
- Early Detection of Eye Diseases
Regular check-ups can catch eye disease and conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration early. These eye diseases can affect the optic nerve and other vital parts of your eye.
- Updated Prescription for Corrective Lenses
Ensuring you have the correct vision correction helps maintain sharpness of vision and prevents issues related to low visual acuity.
- Assessment of Overall Eye Health
Beyond visual acuity, exams evaluate the health of your retina and other eye structures, providing a complete picture of your eye health.
- Prevention of Vision Loss
Early treatment of eye conditions can potentially prevent serious vision impairment.
How To Book an Assessment
To request an appointment or if you have an enquiry, please contact us via the following ways:
Call or message us: +6129 222 9188
Email us: reception@visionclinicsydney.com.au
Book online via our website
FAQs
If you have any more questions about what 20/20 vision is, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. In the meantime, see our FAQs below that may provide you with the additional information you’re looking for.
What does 20/20 vision mean?
20/20 vision means you can clearly see at 20 feet what the average person can see at that distance. It measures the sharpness or clarity of vision at a specific distance. This term is used to describe normal visual acuity, but it does not imply perfect vision.
Is 20/20 perfect vision?
No, 20/20 vision is not perfect vision. It does not account for other important visual functions such as depth perception, peripheral vision or colour vision. Having 20/20 vision simply indicates good visual acuity at a distance of 20 feet.
Can I improve my vision to 20/20?
Yes, vision can often be improved to 20/20 with the use of corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses. Refractive surgeries (LASIK , SMILE, Trans PRK or ICL surgery) may also help someone achieve 20/20 vision, however, not everyone may be a candidate for these procedures.
How is 20/20 vision measured?
20/20 vision is measured using a Snellen chart during an eye exam. You are asked to read letter charts from a 20 feet distance. The smallest line you can read accurately determines your visual acuity and assesses the sharpness of your vision.
General Information Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this site is general in nature and may not reflect current medical developments or research. Your reliance on any information provided by this site is solely at your own risk.
