Hindsight might be 20/20, but are your eyes? According to the University of Iowa, 65% of Americans have some problem seeing. But with the help of glasses and contacts, that figure lowers to 25%. If you are planning on visiting an eye doctor to resolve your blurry sight, here’s a quick guide to what it means to have 20/20 vision.

How Well Can You See With 20/20 Vision & How Is It Measured?

The first 20 refers to the number of feet between a patient and a traditional eye chart which contains lines of random letters in an increasingly small font. Your eye doctor will ask you to read them off until they are no longer legible.

The second number is usually the one to differ and represents the distance someone with normal vision could continue to read a particular line. For example, if you can read the letters on the bottom of the chart at 20 feet, you have 20/20 vision. The second from the bottom one might contain characters that should be visible from 40 feet away, so if that is the last line you can make out, you have 20/40 vision.

As technology has advanced, new methods have been developed for determining eye strength besides these charts, and so your eye doctor might not use them in a conventional way. And yet, the terminology and the thought process remains.

Is 20/20 Perfect Vision?

Contrary to popular belief, 20/20 vision is not perfect. It is not uncommon for people who are younger to be able to see something at 20 feet which is only clear to others at 15. However, since eyesight often worsens with age, there’s also a chance that someone who has never needed glasses finds themselves straining to see. And if you have had the same prescription for years, you need to go to an eye doctor to have your vision re-tested as it could risk your safety. In Nevada, for example, residents with vision worse than 20/40 are only legally permitted to drive during daylight hours.

If you're searching for a trusted eye doctor, visit Matthew H. Lipparelli, O.D. in Elko, NV. Since 1990, his team has been providing premier vision care for the entire family. Offering comprehensive services, you can get all of your eye care needs in one place, from routine eye exams to ordering contact lenses and glasses for your specific prescription. To learn more about the services offered at their facility, visit them online or call (775) 753-5353 to set up an appointment.