20/20 Vision: Does it mean you have 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 a 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 the perfect vision. There are a few things that you need to know about this assumption.
What does the 20/20 Vision mean?
Anytime a doctor conduct an eye exam on you, it means that he or she is measuring the clarity and the sharpness of your vision. After detecting the problem, the doctor can correct the issue temporarily or permanently by using constructive lenses. The main reason why people wear glasses and contact lenses is to alter the way that light gets into the eye, enabling an individual to see clearly. The eye doctor will then proceed to perform an examination to determine how well the eye is able to see any object that is far away, about 20 feet. Most eye clinics use an eye chart in testing how well your eyes can see, and the examination chair is placed a distance away. If you are able to see all the letters on the chart then your eyesight is considered normal, as compared to other people.
The severity of your eye condition will change the visual sharpness numbers. 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. However, when this number becomes high and the reaches about 20/200, then it is referred to as legal blindness.
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 exam
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. This exams always involves the doctor performing an eye exam both internally and externally to determine solutions to the eye problems. A biomicroscope is usually preferred in seeing the eye in details. Moreover, the doctor can conduct further tests which require the use of eye drops to help in enlarging the pupil so that the doctor can see the back of the eye. Always visit the doctor even if you have the 20/20 eye vision for checkup, so that any eye-related problem can be solved immediately.
Treatment Options for Sight Improvement
If you do not have the 20/20 vision, then there are treatment options that you can adopt to improve your sight. However, treatment can only be done after you have identified the problem with your eye. Some of the common eye treatment options that are available include the following.
- Glasses
Using frames with lenses temporarily or permanently helps in correcting vision. Lenses are matched with one’s eyes and their specific needs. This is why it is difficult to fine people who share the same glasses and are comfortable.
- Contact lenses
Most people also prefer using contact lenses as compared to wearing eye glasses. Contact lenses are worn inside the eye and are just the perfect option for people who do not like wearing eye glasses.
- Laser eye surgery
The recent increase in technological development has aided in vision correction by improving the refractive errors and changing the shape of the cornea/
- Medication
If you do not fancy any of the above eye treatment options then you can consider using medications.
To get the right medication check with your doctor to ensure that you chose the right vision correction option that cater for your specific needs. Once you have chosen the right treatment solution, you can start using it and ensure that you ho back for regular checkups. This will help the doctor to determine if your eye is changing color or if it is getting worse. This gives insight as to the next step of treatment that the doctor should use.