What does it mean to have 20/20 vision?
20/20 vision describes visual acuity, or the sharpness of vision at
20 feet from an object. Having 20/60 vision means that you must be at 20 feet to
see what a person with normal vision can see at 60 feet. 20/20 does not
translate into perfect vision and does not indicate other important aspects of
sight like peripheral vision, the ability to see colors or depth perception.
What does visual acuity mean?
Visual acuity, or central vision, is the ability to distinguish
details and shapes of objects. It does not include depth perception, peripheral
vision, or color blindness.
What tests are used to determine visual acuity?
There are various tests, like the "Random E Test," that can
be used to determine the visual acuity of infants, children, and adults. These
tests are non-invasive, painless, reliable and can be performed almost anywhere. The
results will give your eye health professional information about your sight and
what prescription you will need to correct it. Visual acuity tests are fairly
simple and can be performed by a technician, nurse, optician,
optometrist, or ophthalmologist.
Corrective methods for vision
There are many safe and affordable choices for those
who need vision correction. It is important to select a corrective vision method that
suits your optical needs and lifestyle.
- Eyeglasses: Probably the most traditional form of vision correction is
the spectacle, or eyeglasses. Glasses work by bending light into a functional degree of vision.
Eyeglasses are practical, affordable, and safe.
- Contact lenses: Contacts are more suitable for those with an active
lifestyle. They also work in the same method as eyeglasses, but stay in place
better during physical activities. Being outdoors also means being in the sun,
and contacts allow you to wear sunglasses at the same time. There are many
different brands, colors, and materials, so it is best to shop around to find the
contacts that work best for you.
- Corrective surgery: Vision correction surgery is performed by changing
the refractive, or light-bending, properties of the eye. Refractive surgery is
not cosmetic but rather is functional because it restores a person’s ability to see
at a moderate visual acuity. Some people may not be good candidates for
corrective surgery, but the results are long-lasting and there is no hassle with
daily cleaning or repair.
Why is having good vision so important?
- Safety: Average activities, such as driving, biking, or even
walking can be dangerous for you and others if you can’t see properly.
Having good vision can prevent unnecessary mishaps, especially when outdoors or
close to traffic.
- Comfort: Being able to see clearly allows you more freedom in your
activities. Having good vision means that you won’t have to squint, whether you’re
at the back of the classroom or at the front of the movie theater.
- Reading ease: Good vision helps you read more comfortably for work,
learning, or just enjoyment.
- Quality of life: With good vision, you will not have to
compromise your quality of life by missing out on its most important moments.