20/20 vision is the term used to express normal visual performance (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. This notation is now only used in North America, while Australia and New Zealand uses a 6/6 notation.
These figures are based on letter charts which are used in the standard sight test. The top number refers to the distance at which the chart is viewed – 20 feet (or 6 metres) and the bottom number refers to the distance at which a person with ideal vision can see a letter clearly.
Thus, if you have 20/40 (or 6/12) vision then you will just be able to see something from a distance of 20 feet that a person with perfect eyesight will be able to see from 40 feet.
What vision do we need?
● 20/40 (6/12) – to pass a Driver’s License Test. Most printed material is at this level
● 20/80 (6/24) – to read alarm clock at 10 feet. News Headlines are this size
● 20/200 (6/60) – Legal blindness
Since visual performance tests only measure one component of a comprehensive eye examination, people with 20/20 vision may still require glasses. People who are middle-aged—early 40s and older—may have excellent uncorrected distance vision but require glasses for reading.
Vision changes are insidious. Your visual performance might decline so slowly that you don’t realise that you have a deficit. But your eyes can actually tell us a lot about your general health, even if they don’t feel any different. That’s why it’s so important to have your eyes tested regularly.
The incidence of eye disease and vision loss increases threefold every 10 years after the age of 40. This in turn, places greater importance in ensuring that loved ones in aged care have access to annual eye health check-ups.
Optometry services delivered by Healthcare 2 You ensures that residents have access to annual eye health checks. Facility management and families are notified when recommended 12 monthly eye health reviews fall due. This way you can be rest assured that vision checks aren’t missed for your loved one.