Is 2020 Vision Perfect Vision?

What is 20/20 Vision?

20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity of your vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet.

Your visual acuity is measured by your ability to identify letters on a standardized eye chart created by the Dutch ophthalmologist Herman Snellen.

(Read More: 4 Things You Didn’t Know About Eye Charts)

As a general guideline:

If you have 20/20 vision, it means you can see at 20 feet what normal people can see at 20 feet.

If you have 20/70 vision, this means you must be at 20 feet to see what normal people see at 70 feet.

It is possible to have better than 20/20 vision. For example, if someone has 20/15 vision, this means that a person could be at 20 feet to see an object whereas normal people would need to be at 15 feet to see the same object.

Does 20/20 Vision Mean Perfect Vision?

No, 20/20 vision doesn’t mean you have perfect vision. It only indicates how sharp your vision is.

There are other important factors which contribute to your overall visual ability which the 20/20 test doesn’t evaluate. These include:

• Peripheral (side) vision
• Eye coordination
• Depth perception
• Color vision
• Focusing ability

Importance of Comprehensive Eye Examinations

Only a comprehensive eye examination by a qualified eye doctor can diagnose what is affecting your ability to see well.

Some people can see well at a distance but are unable to bring closer objects into focus. This condition can be caused by hyperopia (farsightedness) or presbyopia (loss of focusing ability.)

Others can see objects that are close but not those far away. This may be caused by myopia (nearsightedness)

In most cases, our eye doctors can prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses to help correct your vision. If you suffer from an eye disease, you may be prescribed ocular medication or another treatment.

To learn more, book an appointment today or contact our Calgary eye clinic, conveniently located at Market Mall, at 403-286-4884.