Visual Acuity (vizh-oo-uhl uh-kyoo-i-tee)

What is Visual Acuity?

• Visual acuity is a term used to describe the clarity/sharpness of vision
  • An common example is “20/20 Vision”
• Visual acuity is measured at a distance of 20 feet
  • Stating that you have 20/20 vision means that you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at 20 feet
  • Stating that you have 20/50 vision means that you can see clearly at 20 feet what a normal vision could see at 50 feet

Is 20/20 Vision “Perfect” Vision?

• The number assigned to visual acuity measurements is only one part of vision
• Other aspects of vision that should be considered are peripheral vision, eye coordination, depth perception, color vision and focusing ability
  • A person with 20/20 vision may have a problem in one or more of these other areas and have visual complaints