What Does 20/20 Vision Actually Mean?

So you want to have 20/20 vision. But what does that mean? And is it the best eyesight number possible? Here’s what you should know.

Most people aspire to have 20/20 vision, but many don’t know what that actually means. Here’s some more information about the meaning behind 20/20 vision and what the best eyesight number really is. 

Why 20/20?

When a person has 20/20 vision, it means they can see what an average individual sees on an eye chart when they’re standing 20 feet away. The top number (“20”) refers to the distance away from the eye chart (in feet). The bottom number (also “20”) refers to the distance at which a person with normal eyesight can read the same line.

A number higher than 20 on the bottom indicates difficulty seeing at a distance. For example, a patient with 20/40 vision means they can read the same line on an eye chart at 20 feet away that most people could read standing a full 40 feet away. On the flip side, 20/15 vision is even better than being 20/20. If a patient has 20/15 vision, it means they can read at 20 feet what others can only read standing closer (at 15 feet away).   

What’s the best eyesight number? 

Many people mistakenly assume that 20/20 is the best eyesight number, but that’s really not true. After all, someone with 20/15 vision has better eyesight than someone with 20/20 vision. It is generally accepted that 20/10 vision is the best eyesight number possible for humans, but it is very rare. 

For those that have 20/20 or 20/15 vision, clear distance vision is no issue. If not, can better eyesight be obtained? The answer is yes! Patients can achieve these numbers through corrective lenses, or through LASIK laser eye surgery and other vision correction procedures.  

Schedule a consultation today to get 20/20 in 2020!