During an eye exam, it’s a good thing when your optometrist tells you that you have 20/20 vision. In fact, some professions may include this in their qualifications. Ever wondered what it really means? Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry, your provider of reliable eye care services, discusses what it is and its importance.
What Is Visual Acuity?
Visual acuity refers to how sharp your vision is. To measure this, we’ll ask you to stand 20 feet away from a Snellen chart. Then, we’ll instruct you to cover one of your eyes and try to identify a series of letters from the chart. We’ll then have you do the same while covering the other eye.
Each line on the Snellen chart has an equivalent fraction, such as 20/20. Your eye doctor explains that the number on top refers to your viewing point when identifying a certain letter. The bottom number, on the other hand, corresponds to the distance at which an individual with “normal” eyesight can see the same symbol without any difficulties.
For example, if the test finds you have a 20/40 visual acuity, this indicates that you have no problems viewing a specific figure at 20 feet what a person with “normal” vision can clearly see at 40 feet. Even if you have different starting points, both of you can see and distinguish the same details on the object.
Why Is Establishing Visual Acuity Necessary?
A visual acuity test helps your optometrist establish if you have refractive errors. This is why it’s an important part of a comprehensive eye exam and sports vision training assessment. A common form you may have heard of is myopia.
Also referred to as nearsightedness, this means you struggle when looking at distant objects. For example, a person with 20/20 vision may be able to see the items on a window display clearly. However, you may need to take a few steps closer to be able to view the same objects without any difficulties.
Keep in mind that your eyesight has various aspects, and visual acuity is just one of the many factors to be considered. Although 20/20 does not necessarily mean “perfect” vision, it’s used as a basis when it comes to establishing your visual acuity and detecting refractive errors.
For any other vision concerns, call us at one of our locations, or complete our form. We see patients in Alexandria, Crystal City, Clarendon, Falls Church and Reston.
