![]() They can read even the smallest print close up, and think they can see sufficiently well to drive. Conversely, some people cannot see objects clearly at 20 feet, but they do not realize they have a sight problem. A 20/20 eye test does not allow for this. They can see distant objects clearly, but not close up. Some people may be able to see perfectly at a distance of 20 feet however they cannot focus on the small print on a label and may have trouble reading a newspaper. Being able to discern color also can affect our eyesight so 20/20 is good, but it is only part of measuring good eyesight. Eye coordination, the perception of depth and focusing ability are all part of good vision. Other tests may assess the factors which can be used to diagnose more serious problems including eye disease. Someone with tunnel vision may be able to read those eye charts at 20 feet but with no side vision there is clearly something wrong. Vision skills also include side vision, or peripheral awareness. There are many other factors to take into account. Eye exams test one eye at a time as our eyesight is different in each eye.Īs mentioned previously, 20/20 vision is a simple measurement and attaining that measurement does not mean you have perfect eyesight. 20/20 vision is actually line 8 so you need to be able to read quite a few of the upper lines to have even reasonable eyesight. The chart has rows of letters which get progressively smaller. The big E at the top measures 20/200 vision so reading that is no big deal. The standard eye chart used for visual acuity testing is known as a Snellen chart and was developed in 1862 by Hermann Snellen, although it has been modified several times since. The metric equivalent is 6/6 vision as 6 meters is the approximate equivalent to 20 feet. The test and the term are measured in feet, but in Europe and many other countries distance is only measured in meters. Also someone whose visual field is narrower than 20 degrees meets the definition of being legally blind. If a person cannot achieve 20/200 vision or better in their best eye, even with glasses, they are considered legally blind in the USA. Obviously other tests have to be used to assess those who are too young or handicapped to read a letter chart. ![]() On the other side of the scale a newborn baby has an estimated visual acuity of 20/400, typically (not in all cases) developing to 20/20 by the age of 2 years old. Interestingly a hawk, which is known for its sharp vision is believed to have an acuity of 20/2 which is far better than unaided human eyesight. This is usually the maximum acuity the human eye can reach without using aids such as binoculars. 20/10 vision would be an excellent result as you would have twice the normal acuity, being able to read at 20 feet what a normal person would be expected to read at 10 feet. For example, if you have 20/100 vision it means that at 20 feet you can only see what a normal person can see at 100 feet, so your eyesight would be very poor. The smaller the second number, the better vision you have, so 20/20 is not actually perfect vision it is just what a normal person can see at that standard distance. The smaller the letter, the smaller the second number will be. In a standard eye test the letters get progressively smaller to assess the patient's vision. Once the problem has been diagnosed, glasses or contact lenses may be prescribed so that the desired 20/20 vision can be attained. If the patient sees less than 20/20 vision, the doctor will work out the cause. Fortunately, with modern technology, the doctor can use a series of mirrors to project the letters onto the screen to give the same effect as a distance of 20 feet. Often eye tests are performed in small consulting rooms that are certainly not 20 feet in length. It is a term used to define normal visual acuity the clarity and sharpness of an object at a distance of 20 feet. 20/20 refers to how well a person can see at a distance of 20 feet. Eye doctors frequently use the term 20/20 to describe our vision, but what exactly do they mean and how is it measured? The numbers do not actually relate to each eye respectively, as you might logically expect.
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