What is perfect vision?

The term, as most of us are familiar with, 20/20 vision is synonymous with “perfect vision”. Despite it being a measure of your eyesight, it does not at all mean “perfect vision”. The term 20/20 is solely a measurement: The 20/20 is what the predicted perfect acuity of someone is at 20 feet. For example, if you have 20/100 vision, you see what someone with 20/20 vision can see at 100 feet.

That being said, having 20/20 vision does not mean you have perfect vision. In fact, high order abrasions (HOA) can cause patients with 20/20 vision to see poorly. HOA’s can account for over 20% of optical error. Farsightedness and nearsightedness are not at all factored in to eye tests used for 20/20 vision. You may be able to focus your vision at 20 feet, but may lack the ability to see five feet in front of you.

Along with the 20/20 acuity vision test, there are several other factors in your vision, including your night vision, peripheral vision, eye coordination, and depth perception. A comprehensive eye exam can determine the several factors that affect your vision and truly determine your “perfect vision”. With several factors in play the consultation of an eye care professional is necessary to determine whether or not you have perfect vision.