According to the American Optometric Association, adults between the ages of 18 and 64, should undergo eye exams every two years, whether they require eyewear to see clearly or not. This recommendation is particularly important for patients who were told they have 20/20 vision by an eye doctor during adolescence. If you’re wondering how sight is measured and what it truly means to have 20/20 vision in regards to lifelong eye care, here’s some helpful information to review. 

Understanding 20/20 Vision

How Does an Optometrist Measure Vision?

During an eye exam, an optometrist will ask you to read a visual acuity chart to measure your vision and place a value on it. In the United States, the Snellen System is utilized to determine the sharpness of one’s sight. The first 20 in this rating denotes the standard testing distance of 20 feet as scientists deemed this distance optical infinity. The second number compares your vision to the average. So, if you have 20/30 vision, for example, you have sight that’s worse than the average. You see letters at 20 feet away that others can see clearly at 30 feet away. 

Can You Really Have Perfect Vision?

If the eye doctor determines you have 20/20 vision during an eye exam, this does not necessarily mean you have perfect sight. Instead, it means that you have normal sight. In fact, it’s possible for an individual to have 20/15 vision which means they see items at 20 feet away that the average person can only see from 15 feet away. While roughly 35% of adults do have 20/20 vision without using contact lenses or corrective eyewear, others can achieve this marker of “normal vision” with the help of an experienced optometrist. 20/20 vision may be synonymous with perfection, but in reality, it’s simply an average and a mile marker that eye professionals try to help patients achieve with corrective lenses. 

Eyewear Express, led by trusted optometrist Dr. Jeff Williquette, has been serving the vision needs of residents throughout  Oneida County, WI, for over 25 years. If you need an eye exam, this team of friendly and dedicated eye care professionals is ready to provide exemplary service in an inviting environment. Call today at (715) 365-1515 to schedule your appointment and visit their website for more information on how they can fit you for chic, functional eyeglasses or top-of-the-line hydrogel contact lenses.