Understanding Vision: 20/20 vs. 20/???
- BY Dr. Steven Liem
- IN Eye Care
Good vision is a precious gift that allows us to experience the world in all its vibrant detail. Yet, not everyone is blessed with perfect eyesight. When you visit an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam, you might hear terms like 20/20, 20/24, or 20/100 to describe your visual acuity. In this blog post, we’ll explore what these numbers mean and how they affect your ability to see clearly.
20/20 Vision:
Let’s start with the gold standard of vision: 20/20. This term refers to what is considered “normal” or perfect vision. When you have 20/20 vision, it means that you can see objects clearly from a distance of 20 feet that a person with normal vision can also see at 20 feet. In other words, you have sharp and clear vision, allowing you to read the smallest letters on an eye chart without difficulty.
20/40 Vision:
Now, let’s delve into what 20/40 vision means. If you have 20/40 vision, it implies that you can see objects at 20 feet that a person with normal vision can see clearly at 40 feet. In practical terms, this means your visual acuity is not as sharp as that of someone with 20/20 vision. You might need to be twice as close to an object to see it as clearly as someone with perfect vision standing at a greater distance.
People with 20/40 vision might experience difficulty reading small print, recognizing faces from a distance, or driving without corrective lenses. However, 20/40 vision is still considered functional and may not require glasses or contacts for some daily tasks.
20/100 Vision:
Now, let’s discuss 20/100 vision, which represents significantly impaired eyesight. If you have 20/100 vision, you can see objects at 20 feet that a person with normal vision can see clearly at 100 feet. This level of visual acuity indicates severe visual impairment.
Individuals with 20/100 vision typically struggle with many aspects of daily life. Activities such as reading, watching TV, or recognizing faces become challenging without visual aids. In most cases, corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, are necessary to improve vision to a functional level.
Understanding what 20/40, 20/20, and 20/100 vision mean can help you appreciate the varying degrees of visual acuity people experience. While 20/20 vision is considered ideal, many individuals have 20/40 vision and can still lead normal lives without significant visual impairment. On the other hand, 20/100 vision indicates a substantial loss of visual clarity and often requires corrective measures.
Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good eye health and catching vision problems early. Whether you have perfect vision or face visual challenges, taking care of your eyes should always be a priority. Zenni offers a wide range of eyewear options, including prescription glasses and sunglasses, to help you see clearly and protect your eyes. Remember, healthy eyes are the window to a vibrant world!
About the Author: Dr. Steven Liem
Dr. Steven Liem, O.D., F.A.A.O. is an optometrist based in Pasadena, California. After obtaining his doctorate from UC Berkeley’s School of Optometry, he completed his residency in Pediatrics, Vision Therapy & Rehabilitation and became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. When he isn’t busy streaming or making Youtube videos about video games, Dr. Liem aims to broaden accessibility to vision health through his involvement in optometric industry and tech.
