Eyesight plays a vital role in helping you navigate your environment, read, and recognize faces. At Norfolk Family Eye Care, our optometrists in Waterford, Port Dover, or Simcoe can assess your vision to determine if it’s average, better than average, or if you require corrective lenses to achieve normal sight.
The standard for normal vision is 20/20, but what does that mean? Essentially, it’s the benchmark by which eye doctors assess whether you need corrective lenses. The measure is based on the distance from an eye chart and the level of detail people with typical eyesight can see on that chart.
Normal Vision from 20 Feet Away
During a routine eye checkup, you’ll be seated at a standardized distance from an eye chart. Your optometrist will then assess your ability to see clearly by asking which letters on the chart you can identify. The standard distance is 20 feet, and your eye doctor will measure what each eye can see independently.
After the examination, your optometrist can determine your overall vision and the specific vision quality of each eye. It’s common for people to have one eye that is stronger or more dominant than the other, often making it the eye with better vision.
When Vision Correction Is Necessary
Some individuals have better-than-average vision, such as 20/15. This means they can see clearly at 20 feet what most people need to be 15 feet away to see. Having 20/15 vision is considered exceptional and allows for clear, sharp vision with less squinting and eye strain during daily activities.
When someone’s vision is 20/25, it’s slightly below average, but it might not yet necessitate corrective lenses. In such cases, you might naturally squint to sharpen your focus, reducing your eye’s aperture and potentially clarifying what you see. However, if your vision is 20/30 or worse, corrective lenses are likely recommended to ensure you can drive safely, read signs, and perform other tasks requiring clear sight.
See Your Optometrist Regularly
Whether or not you currently need corrective lenses, regular eye exams are essential. Visiting one of our optometrists in Waterford, Port Dover, or Simcoe at least once a year helps ensure any necessary adjustments are made, allowing you to maintain optimal vision. Are you looking for an eye doctor near you? Call Norfolk Family Eye Care today at (519) 583-2020 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
