When it comes to types of vision, everyone has a different vision type. It’s unique for different people, but there are common visual conditions like being nearsighted (myopia), farsighted (hyperopia), or having astigmatism. If you have any difficulties with your vision it’s important to book an appointment for an eye exam. How do you determine which is the best vision type or the worst? In this article, we are going to cover all of your questions and concerns.

Types of vision 

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 the 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 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. 

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 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.

At Optical Academy, we not only offer in-office comprehensive eye exams, but we also offer mobile eye care. We come to you and your community to bring eye care with our mobile vision team. That way you receive mobile eye exams in the comfort of the location of your establishment. Call us at 1-800-530-2730 or email us at info@optical-academy.com for additional information.