Different Vision Types (2024)

Types of vision snellen chart

When you go to your optometrist you may have experienced a visual acuity test. A visual acuity test is used to determine the smallest letters you can read at a distance using a Snellen chart. After an eye exam and a visual acuity test, your optometrist gives you a result of your eyesight. Below are numbers of visual acuity.

20/20 – This is a normal visual acuity. Having 20/20 vision means you are at a distance of 20 feet, and able to see an object clearly at 20 feet distance. The first number is the farthest you can see an object and still see it, while the second number means the average a person can see.20/13 – When the second number lowers, it means you have better vision than average. If you have 20/13 vision it means you can see 20 feet clearly while an average person can see 13 feet.20/100 – Having 20/100 vision means you can see an object from 20 feet clearly while the average person can clearly see an object from 100 feet. Same thing with a vision of 20/60, 20/80, 20/50, etc.20/200 – 20/200 vision is considered to be legally blind. A person with 20/200 vision means they can clearly see an object from 20 feet away, while the average can see 200 feet.Having 20/20 vision doesn’t mean you have the best or perfect vision. It’s only a common baseline to determine normal vision. Having something like 20/13 vision is better since it means you can see 20 feet clearly while the average can only see 13.

When should I or my child go for a vision test?You should have your child receive a vision test when your child can cooperate with a Snellen chart. Some children lose their 20/20 vision around the age of 7-10, so it’s important to get a comprehensive eye exam to not only test for visual acuity, but for eye disease/health risks.

Child vision test

If you can’t remember the last time you have gotten an eye exam or vision test, then it’s recommended to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. It’s also recommended to get a vision test if you have symptoms or vision problems.

Common eye conditionsIt’s important to receive not only a visual acuity test but an eye exam to make sure your eyes are healthy and to diagnose any health risks.

Nearsightedness Nearsightedness or also known as myopia is when a person can see close objects clearly but have difficulty seeing an object at a distance.

FarsightednessFarsightedness or also known as hyperopia is when a person has difficulty seeing a close object while being able to see an object at a distance clearly.

AstigmatismAstigmatism is an imperfection in the curvature of the cornea or lens. Unlike being farsighted or nearsighted, having astigmatism gives you trouble seeing objects both at a close and far range.

CataractsCataracts cause clouding in the lens of the eye affecting your vision. Symptoms may include double vision, halos around the eye, trouble with bright lights, or trouble seeing at night.

PresbyopiaPresbyopia is the loss of being able to focus on nearby objects. The lens of your eye changes and becomes less flexible. This eye condition is developed due to old age which occurs around the age of 40.

GlaucomaGlaucoma is when the optic nerve of the eye is damaged. The damage is caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye. It’s the leading cause of blindness for adults at the age of 60.

Comprehensive Eye ExamsA comprehensive eye exam can save your vision and detect health risks. This is why it’s recommended to get regular eye exams. Certain eye conditions can create subtle changes in your eyes that you can’t notice. We offer state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose any of these eye conditions. We also measure your eyes to test for color blindness, peripheral vision, visual acuity, focusing ability, and more.

Types of vision

20/20 – This is a normal visual acuity. Having 20/20 vision means you are at a distance of 20 feet, and able to see an object clearly at 20 feet distance. The first number is the farthest you can see an object and still see it, while the second number means the average person can see.
20/13 –When the second number lowers, it means you have better vision than average. If you have 20/13 vision it means you can see 20 feet clearly while an average person can see 13 feet.
20/100 –Having 20/100 vision means you can see an object from 20 feet clearly while the average person can see an object from 100 feet. Same thing with a vision of 20/60, 20/80, 20/50, etc.
20/200 –20/200 vision is considered to be legally blind. A person with 20/200 vision means they can see an object from 20 feet away, while the average can see 200 feet.

Having a 20/20 vision doesn’t mean you have the best or perfect vision. It’s only a common baseline to determine normal vision. Having something like 20/13 vision is better since it means you can see 20 feet clearly while the average can only see 13.

When should I or my child go for a vision test?

You should have your child receive a vision test when your child can cooperate with a Snellen chart. Some children lose their 20/20 vision around the age of 7-10, so it’s important to get a comprehensive eye exam to not only test for visual acuity, but for eye disease/health risks.

Common eye conditions

It’s important to receive not only a visual acuity test but an eye exam to make sure your eyes are healthy and to diagnose any health risks.

Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness or also known as myopia is when a person can see close objects clearly but have difficulty seeing an object at a distance.

Farsightedness

Farsightedness or also known as hyperopia is when a person has difficulty seeing a close object while being able to see an object at a distance clearly.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is an imperfection in the curvature of the cornea or lens. Unlike being farsighted or nearsighted, having astigmatism gives you trouble seeing objects both at a close and far range.

Cataracts

Cataracts cause clouding in the lens of the eye affecting your vision. Symptoms may include double vision, halos around the eye, trouble with bright lights, or trouble seeing at night.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is the loss of being able to focus on nearby objects. The lens of your eye changes and becomes less flexible. This eye condition is developed due to old age which occurs around the age of 40.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is when the optic nerve of the eye is damaged. The damage is caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye. It’s the leading cause of blindness for adults at the age of 60.

Comprehensive Eye Exams

A comprehensive eye exam can save your vision and detect health risks. This is why it’s recommended to get regular eye exams. Certain eye conditions can create subtle changes in your eyes that you can’t notice. We offer state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose any of these eye conditions. We also measure your eyes to test for color blindness, peripheral vision, visual acuity, focusing ability, and more.

As an optometry expert with a deep understanding of visual acuity and eye health, it's evident that the provided article covers a comprehensive range of topics related to vision testing, visual acuity, and common eye conditions. The author's insights align with established principles in the field, and I'll provide an overview of the key concepts discussed.

Visual Acuity and Snellen Chart: The article starts by introducing the concept of visual acuity tests using a Snellen chart. Visual acuity is a measure of the clarity or sharpness of vision, often tested at a distance. The Snellen chart, with its standardized letters, helps determine the smallest letters an individual can read.

20/20 Vision: Described as normal visual acuity, where one can see an object at 20 feet as clearly as the average person.
20/13 Vision: Indicates better-than-average vision, allowing clear vision at 20 feet while the average person sees clearly at 13 feet.
20/100 Vision: Represents a condition where one can see an object at 20 feet, while the average person can see the same object from 100 feet.
20/200 Vision: Considered legally blind, where clear vision at 20 feet is equivalent to what an average person sees at 200 feet.

The article emphasizes that 20/20 vision is a baseline for normal vision but doesn't necessarily indicate perfect vision.

When to Schedule a Vision Test: The author provides guidance on when to schedule a vision test, particularly for children who should be able to cooperate with a Snellen chart. It's highlighted that some children may lose 20/20 vision around the ages of 7-10, necessitating comprehensive eye exams for both visual acuity and general eye health.

Common Eye Conditions: The article delves into various eye conditions that can affect vision:

Nearsightedness (Myopia): Clear vision for close objects but difficulty seeing distant objects.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Difficulty seeing close objects but clear vision at a distance.
Astigmatism: Caused by an imperfection in the cornea or lens curvature, resulting in trouble seeing both close and distant objects.
Cataracts: Clouding in the lens affecting vision, leading to symptoms like double vision and trouble with lights.
Presbyopia: Loss of ability to focus on nearby objects due to age-related changes in the lens (typically around age 40).
Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage due to abnormally high eye pressure, a leading cause of blindness in adults over 60.

Comprehensive Eye Exams: The article underscores the importance of comprehensive eye exams, not just for visual acuity but also for detecting subtle changes indicative of eye conditions. State-of-the-art equipment is highlighted for diagnosing conditions and testing aspects like color blindness, peripheral vision, and focusing ability.

The inclusion of mobile eye care services from Optical Academy emphasizes accessibility and convenience for individuals and communities.

In summary, the article provides a well-rounded overview of vision testing, visual acuity, common eye conditions, and the significance of comprehensive eye exams.