What is the Difference Between 20/20 and 20/15 Vision?

Many people believe that having 20/20 vision is perfect vision, but you may be surprised to learn that is not the case. 20/20 vision refers not to perfect vision but to normal vision or the standard of vision. Vision is a broad description of eyesight that covers a range of capabilities and skills. When you are asked by your eye doctor to identify letters or numbers on a chart, known as the Snellen chart, your visual acuity is being tested. Normal visual acuity is the clarity or sharpness of vision measured at 20 feet. For example, if a person is assessed to have a vision of 20/100, this means that they would need to be as close as 20 feet to what a person with normal vision would be able to see at 100 feet. Visual acuity determines the 20/20 vision rating but other factors such as peripheral vision, eye coordination, depth perception, ability to focus and color vision all contribute to vision ability. 

What is the difference between 20/20 and 20/15 vision? The top number of a Snellen fraction refers to the viewing distance between the patient and the eye chart. Again, the normal or standard for this is 20 feet, or 6 meters as more commonly measured throughout the whole world. At this distance, the bottom number of the Snellen fraction corresponds to a line of text on the eye chart, usually tested in high-contrast conditions which is why most standard eye charts show black letters or numbers on white backgrounds, or vice versa. The large letter E at the top of the chart equates to a visual acuity of 20/200 and each subsequent line then correlates to clearer visual acuity as a patient can correctly identify the text as the move lower down the eye chart. As 20/20 is what can be read by the “average” person, this is considered normal acuity. In some cases, people have vision even better than 20/20 known as 20/15 vision. Those with young, healthy eyes can read even smaller print further down the Snellen chart, print not able to be recognized by the average reader. 

A comprehensive eye exam can measure your visual acuity to determine if you require intervention such as prescription glasses or contact lenses to achieve crystal clear vision. At Skyline Vision Clinic we offer personalized solutions to offer you the best vision possible. Don’t delay in scheduling your eye exam to evaluate your eye health and access the quality of vision care you deserve. Call 719-630-3937 or request an appointment online at WEBSITE.