2020 has definitely been like no other! It’s crazy… those of us in eye care were so excited to celebrate the year of “20/20 Vision”. But instead, we are all wearing masks, checking temperatures, and doing our best to keep our patients and staff healthy.

To commemorate the significance of 2020, we thought we would answer a question often asked… “What does 20/20 vision mean?”

The most common method still today to measure vision was developed in 1862 by an eye doctor named Herman Snellen. He strategically put together a chart with progressively smaller letters… You’ll recognize it because it has the big E at the top. We record this measurement as a ratio, with the top number defining the test distance of 20 feet. The bottom number corresponds to the size of text. The term 20/20 refers to the size of the letters that a person with average vision can see from a distance of 20 feet. Many people cannot see the letters that small. Some, for example, may only see 20/200… This means they can see a size of letters at 20 feet that an average person can actually see at 200 feet. Such a person unfortunately has very poor vision, and would be considered legally blind if not corrected with eyeglasses or contacts.  Thankfully though, most of us see close to, if not better, than 20/20 with our corrective lenses.

Of course, measuring vision with an eye chart is only one aspect of vision. There are many other factors that contribute to good, healthy eyesight. Which is why it’s so important for everyone to have a comprehensive eye exam every year, to ensure good visual clarity and overall eye health.

Although this year has been very different (good riddance!), we are glad to be here and look forward to making 2021 a better one! Thank you for your support, and we will SEE you soon!