20/20 is the standard vision measurement. An individual with 20/20 vision has average visual acuity, which is another way of saying that the sharpness or clarity of their vision is completely normal. Below are some important facts to know about 20/20 vision and how it is determined.

Measuring Vision

A traditional eye chart is used to measure visual acuity. The top number in the measurement is the number of feet away the individual is from the eye chart when the test is performed; in 20/20 vision, the individual is 20 feet away. The bottom one is the number of feet away a person with normal vision is when reading the same line on the eye chart.

This approach gives eye doctors and eye care professionals a way to gauge the quality of your vision while also comparing it to what is normal for most people. This way, they can better determine if you need prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses and, if so, what strength these vision aids need to be so that you can achieve a 20/20 measurement.

"Perfect" Vision

20/20 vision is not perfect; it is simply normal. For example, an individual can have 20/10 vision, which is sharper than normal; the numbers indicate that they can see a line on the eye chart while 20 feet away that the average person can only see at 10 feet away.

On the other end of the spectrum, someone could be diagnosed with less-than-normal visual acuity, such as 20/25 vision. In this example, they can only see a line on the eye chart at 20 feet away that the average person can see from a greater distance, at 25 feet away.

The basics of visual measurement will help you better understand the numbers your eye doctor uses when performing eye tests and writing your prescriptions. For eye testing and any eye-related issues, trust optometrist Eric G. Stocker, OD. For over three decades, he has been providing Lorain County, OH, with eye care services, glasses, and contacts. To schedule an eye exam, call (440) 988-4419 or contact his office online today.