Does 20/20 mean perfect vision?
Most of the time when we hear about “20/20 vision”, we associate it to having the best vision. This vision perception implies that you have perfect vision and that you do not need contact lenses or glasses to help improve your vision. However, most of the time 20/20 does not refer to someone having perfect vision.
An eye exam measures the clarity and sharpness of your vision. Most eye clinics use an eye chart in testing how well you eyes can see at a distance of 20 feet away. If you are able to see all the letters on the chart, then your eyesight is considered normal, as compared to other people. Usually, the top number is used to indicate the distance between the patient and the chart whereas the bottom number is an expression of refractive error. For instance, when the doctor states that you have 20/100 vision, it means that you need to be 20 feet away to see something that a normal person is able to see from 100 feet away.
Nearsighted vs. Farsighted
Nearsightedness is an eye condition where you are able to see objects that are near and not objects that are far whereas farsightedness is where you can clearly see things that are at a distance and you are experiencing difficulties reading things that are near. Nearsightedness, also known as myopia is a refractive error of the eye and the most common refractive eye error that most people experience. Talking about refractive error means that the eye has an abnormal size or shape making it hard for the eye retina to focus light. In addition to that, myopia occurs as a result of long eyeballs. When one’s eyeballs are longer than usual then light does not focus properly through the cornea and the lens.
When you are looking at an object, the light rays that hit the eye focuses at a point directly inform of the retina instead of focusing straight in the retina. The distance at which light focuses is further, making objects which are far much blurry as compared to those that are near. Myopia is also caused by over curving of the lens, which in turn throws away the focusing point. Genetic factors can increase one’s chance of being myopic.
Farsightedness on the other hand is where you see objects which are far away much clearly as compared to seeing objects which are near and within reach. This eye condition is also referred to as hyperopia. With this condition, the eyeball is too short of the lens is not curved properly for objects to focus properly. In addition to that, light is focused beyond the retina and not directly or in front of the surface of the retina. This causes one’s up-close vision to be blurry. However, this eye condition is not as common as myopia, but it is still important to visit your doctor so that the doctor can properly diagnose the condition.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
This exam is done not only to determine how well you can see, but also to identify other factors that may be affecting your eyesight. A biomicroscope is usually preferred in seeing the eye in detail. Moreover, the doctor can conduct further tests which require the use of eye drops to dialate the pupil so that the doctor can see the back of the eye.
Treatment Options
If you do not have the 20/20 vision, there are treatment options to improve your vision. However, treatment can only be done after you have identified the problem. Some of the common vision correction options that are available include the following:
- Glasses
- Contact lenses
- Medication
- Laser eye surgery
See if you’re a candidate for vision correction by taking our free online self test.