Can You See Better Than 20/20? Understanding Vision Clarity

Many people think 20/20 vision means perfect eyesight, but that’s not entirely true. While 20/20 vision is considered the standard for normal visual acuity, it only measures sharpness at a specific distance. It doesn’t account for other crucial aspects of vision, such as:

• Depth perception
• Color vision
• Peripheral vision
• Overall eye health

So, can you see better than 20/20? The answer is yes!

What Does 20/20 Vision Really Mean?

The term 20/20 vision means you can clearly see at 20 feet what an average person can see at the same distance. However, some people have better vision, such as 20/15, meaning they can see at 20 feet what the average person can only see from 15 feet away—a sharper level of clarity.

True “perfect vision” would require flawless function in all aspects of sight, which is rare. However, 20/20 remains the benchmark for ideal clarity in everyday life.

How Is Vision Tested?

Eye care professionals use a variety of tests to measure visual acuity and eye health, including:

Snellen Eye Chart – The classic test where you read letters from 20 feet away to determine how well you see details.

Random E Chart – Designed for kids or non-readers; you simply point in the direction the “E” is facing.

Jaeger Chart – Tests close-up vision and helps diagnose presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

Autorefractor Test – Uses advanced technology to measure how light bends in your eye, detecting refractive errors.

Phoropter Refraction Test – The classic “Which is clearer—1 or 2?” test to fine-tune your prescription.

These tests don’t just measure sharpness—they also help identify issues that may require corrective lenses or further treatment.

How to Achieve 20/20 (or Better) Vision

If you don’t naturally have 20/20 vision, there are several effective solutions to improve clarity:

👓 Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses – The most common, non-invasive way to correct vision.
🔬 LASIK & PRK Surgery – Reshape the cornea for permanent vision correction.
👁 Implantable Lenses – An alternative for those who may not qualify for LASIK.
🌙 Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) – Special lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea.
🧠 Vision Therapy – Helps with conditions like lazy eye (amblyopia) or focusing issues.
👴 Cataract Surgery – For older adults, replacing the cloudy natural lens with an artificial one can restore clear vision.

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter

Even if you have great vision, regular eye exams are essential for detecting potential issues early. Vision changes over time, and catching problems early can prevent long-term damage.

Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam Today! Ensure your vision is at its best with a full eye health evaluation. Contact EyeCare Optical – Powell today!

EyeCare Optical – Powell
221 E. Emory Road, Suite 103
Powell, TN 37849
(865) 584-0905