20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity
or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet.
If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 fee what should
normally be seen at that distance.
If you have 20/100 vision, it means that you must be as close as 20
feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 100 feet.
20/20 does not necessarily mean perfect vision. 20/20 vision only indicates the sharpness or clarity of vision at a distance. There are other important vision skills, including peripheral awareness or side vision, eye coordination, depth perception, focusing ability and color vision that contribute to your overall visual ability.
Some
people can see well at a distance, but are unable to bring nearer objects
into focus.
This condition can be caused by hyperopia (farsightedness) or
presbyopia (loss of focusing ability).
Others can see items that are close, but cannot see those far away.
This condition may be caused by myopia (nearsightedness).
Annual
Exams Are Important!
A comprehensive eye examination by a doctor of optometry can
diagnose the causes, if any, that are affecting your ability to see
well.
In most cases, your optometrist can prescribe glasses, contact
lenses, or a vision therapy program that will help improve your vision.
If the reduced vision is due to an eye disease, the use of ocular
medication or other treatment may be used.
Heredity,
natural aging, disease, or injury can greatly affect your vision.
Fortunately, we can usually detect visual health problems in their early
stages with annual exams. These could be abnormalities which may otherwise threaten your eyesight. For
example, changes in your field of vision can be early signs of retinal
disease, or high internal eye pressures, which can lead to blindness if
left untreated. Yet, it's unlikely that you will notice these
subtle, but significant changes that are detected only by a trained
professional.
Annual
eye exams are particularly important for contact lens wearers. As your eye
care specialist, we want to ensure proper fit and to be aware of any signs
of allergic response, oxygen deprivation, or corneal ulceration that may
have developed.