Unlock the Mystery of 20/20 Vision: Discover the Surprising Truth

January 10, 2023

Person holding magnifying glass up to their eye

Read time: 2 minutes

What 20/20 Vision Means

We hear about 20/20 vision all the time. 20/20 vision is a measurement of visual acuity, or the sharpness of your vision. It’s a commonly used standard for measuring visual acuity in the United States and many other countries. "20/20" means that you can see at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. It doesn’t mean perfect vision, but it’s pretty darn close. If you have 20/20 vision, you have average or normal vision.

One point to remember is that 20/20 vision only applies to distance vision. If you have 20/20 vision, it doesn’t mean that your near vision (or reading vision) is also 20/20. In fact, many people who have 20/20 distance vision still need glasses or contact lenses for reading.

20/20 vision also doesn’t take into account the quality of your vision. Just because you can see clearly at 20 feet does not mean that your vision is perfect.

There are many other factors that contribute to the quality of your vision, such as eye health, contrast sensitivity, color vision, and depth perception.

Did you know that 20/20 vision doesn’t guarantee that you will never need glasses or contact lenses? As you age, your eyesight will inevitably change and you may eventually develop a need for corrective lenses.

Why 20/20 Vision Matters

Having 20/20 vision is important for a lot of our everyday tasks. For example, if you drive a car, having 20/20 vision is necessary to pass the vision test required for a driver's license. People with less than 20/20 vision may be required to wear corrective lenses (such as glasses or contact lenses) while driving.

Similarly, people who work in certain professions may be required to have 20/20 vision. Pilots, police officers, and some medical professionals are required to have good visual acuity.

However, even if you don't drive or work in those fields, having 20/20 vision can still be beneficial for many activities of daily life, such as reading, watching TV, or using a computer.

Some people have better than 20/20 vision. This is called “super vision” and is pretty rare. People with super vision can see things more clearly than people with 20/20 vision.

Additionally, having 20/20 vision may be an indication of overall eye health and may suggest that a person is less likely to have certain eye problems. A regular eye examination with one of our excellent and friendly doctors at Urban Optiks Optometry, utilizing our cutting-edge technology, is important to detect any vision problems early and keep your eyes healthy.

Next, we'll discuss 7 FAQS on 20/20 vision

< Previous Post

Next Post >

Share this blog post on social or with a friend:

The information provided in this article is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is strongly recommended to consult with an eye care professional for personalized recommendations and guidance regarding your individual needs and eye health concerns.

All of Urban Optiks Optometry's blog posts and articles contain information carefully curated from openly sourced materials available in the public domain. We strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information provided. For a comprehensive understanding of our practices and to read our full disclosure statement, please click here.

OUR LATEST POSTS

Man in plaid blazer and sunglasses, standing outdoors with autumn foliage.

Handcrafted Eyewear for San Diego’s Fall Season

October 12, 2025

Discover handcrafted eyewear designed for San Diego’s fall lifestyle. Explore artisan frames at Urban Optiks Optometry that blend comfort and style.

Close-up of an eye with an abrasion, illuminated with ultraviolet light.

Corneal Abrasions: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Protect Your Eyes

October 7, 2025

Read time: 5 minutes The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye. It plays two essential roles: focusing light for sharp vision and protecting the eye’s delicate inner structures from debris and infection. Because it is both exposed and highly sensitive, the cornea is especially vulnerable to injury. A scratch or scrape on its surface is known as a corneal abrasion. While many abrasions are minor and heal quickly, they can cause significant discomfort and may lead to complications if left untreated. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatments can help you protect your vision and respond appropriately if an injury occurs. What Is a Corneal Abrasion? A corneal abrasion is a scratch or scrape on the epithelium, the thin outer layer of the cornea. This surface contains numerous nerve endings, which explains why even small abrasions often cause sudden, sharp pain. Along with discomfort, abrasions can also blur vision until the surface has healed. You can find out more about corneal abrasions in this article from Harvard Health Publishing . Common Causes Corneal abrasions often happen in everyday life, from something as simple as rubbing the eye too hard to environmental hazards at work or outdoors. Some of the most common causes include: Foreign particles such as dust, sand, or metal shavings entering the eye Accidental scratches , often from fingernails or makeup brushes Improper contact lens use , including wearing them overnight or with poor hygiene Paper cuts from envelopes or books Tree branches or leaves encountered outdoors Workplace hazards , especially when protective eyewear is not used Symptoms to Watch For Because the cornea is so sensitive, symptoms usually appear immediately. These may include: Sudden eye pain, especially noticeable when blinking Redness, tearing, and excessive blinking A persistent sensation of something in the eye (foreign body sensation) Light sensitivity ( photophobia ) Blurred or decreased vision Difficulty keeping the eye open These symptoms can overlap with other conditions, including corneal infections, so a professional exam is recommended rather than self-diagnosis. Diagnosis Eye doctors typically use a slit-lamp microscope to examine the cornea in detail. They may also apply a fluorescein dye, which makes scratches more visible under blue light. This exam helps confirm the abrasion and check for any trapped foreign objects. In more serious cases, or if caused by high-velocity particles, additional imaging may be used. Treatment and Healing Most corneal abrasions heal within 24 to 72 hours. Treatment focuses on pain relief, preventing infection, and supporting the natural healing process. Depending on the injury, your doctor may recommend: Lubricating drops or ointments to ease irritation Antibiotic drops to prevent infection (especially important for contact lens wearers) Prescription drops to relax eye muscles and reduce pain in some cases Avoiding contact lenses until healing is complete Protective eyewear to prevent further trauma Eye patches are rarely used today, and steroid drops are generally avoided during the initial healing period since they can slow recovery. Special Considerations for Contact Lens Wearers Contact lenses increase the risk of both abrasions and infections. Wearing lenses too long, handling them without proper hygiene, or sleeping in them can scratch the cornea and create conditions for bacterial growth. If you wear contacts and develop sudden eye pain, redness, or blurry vision, remove the lenses immediately and see your eye doctor. Continuing to wear contacts over an abrasion can worsen the injury and delay healing. When to Seek Medical Care Even if symptoms seem mild, it’s best to have corneal abrasions evaluated by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Seek prompt care if: Pain lasts longer than 24 hours Vision becomes increasingly blurry Sensitivity to light worsens There is discharge, swelling, or signs of infection You have a history of recurrent corneal erosions Without treatment, abrasions may lead to complications such as corneal ulcers or scarring, both of which can cause permanent vision changes. Prevention Many abrasions are preventable with good habits. Steps you can take include: Wearing protective eyewear during high-risk activities like construction, sports, or yard work Handling contact lenses with clean hands and avoiding overnight wear unless prescribed Replacing eye makeup tools regularly and keeping them clean Avoiding rubbing your eyes, especially in dusty or dry environments Using artificial tears to keep the eyes hydrated The Takeaway Corneal abrasions may be common, but they should never be ignored. With proper treatment, most heal quickly and without lasting effects. However, untreated abrasions can progress into serious eye conditions that permanently affect vision. Whether from contact lenses, workplace exposure, or everyday accidents, protecting your cornea is essential to safeguarding your eyesight. Learn more about other corneal conditions in this article from the National Eye Institute.