Many people wonder what 20/60 vision looks like, especially if they have been told by their optometrist that they have this condition. 20/60 vision means that a person can see at 20 feet what someone with normal vision can see at 60 feet. This article aims to provide a clearer picture of what 20/60 vision looks like, its impact on daily life, and how it can be corrected.
What does 20/60 vision mean?
20/60 vision means that a person can see an object clearly at a distance of 20 feet that someone with normal vision can see clearly at a distance of 60 feet. To put it simply, the person’s visual acuity is only one-third that of a person with normal vision.
For example, if a person with 20/60 vision is watching a soccer game, they will not be able to see the ball clearly unless it is within 20 feet of them. They may also have difficulty recognizing faces or reading signs from a distance.
How is visual acuity measured?
Visual acuity is measured using an eye chart. The most common eye chart used is the Snellen eye chart, which consists of letters of different sizes arranged in rows. A person is asked to read the letters from a distance of 20 feet. A person with 20/60 vision would be able to read the letters that a person with normal vision can read from a distance of 60 feet.
What causes 20/60 vision?
There are various factors that can cause 20/60 vision, including:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Astigmatism
- Keratoconus
- Macular degeneration
Eye injuries or surgeries can also cause 20/60 vision.
What is myopia?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common condition that causes distant objects to appear blurry. People with myopia can see objects clearly up close but have difficulty seeing objects in the distance. It occurs when the shape of the eye causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a condition that causes vision to be distorted or blurry at any distance due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens in the eye. It can occur on its own or with myopia or hyperopia.
What is keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a rare condition in which the cornea becomes thin and bulges outward in a cone shape. This causes distorted vision, glare, and sensitivity to light.
What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. It causes blurry or distorted vision, and in severe cases, can cause permanent vision loss. It is more common in older people.
How is 20/60 vision treated?
There are several ways to treat 20/60 vision, depending on the cause of the condition:
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Laser eye surgery, such as LASIK or PRK
- Corneal transplant surgery
- Treatment for underlying eye conditions, such as myopia or astigmatism
What are eyeglasses or contact lenses?
Eyeglasses or contact lenses are the most common way to correct vision. Prescription lenses are used to adjust the way light enters the eye, improving visual acuity. Eyeglasses or contact lenses may need to be updated regularly to ensure optimal vision correction.
What is LASIK?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a type of laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to improve visual acuity. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and most people can resume normal activities the next day.
What is PRK?
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is another type of laser eye surgery. It involves removing a thin layer of the cornea to reshape it and improve visual acuity. PRK is less invasive than LASIK but has a longer recovery time.
What is a corneal transplant?
A corneal transplant is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea. Corneal transplant surgery is usually a last resort if other treatments are not successful.
Impact on daily life
Having 20/60 vision can impact daily life in various ways:
- Difficulty driving, especially at night
- Difficulty recognizing people from a distance
- Difficulty reading road signs, TV screens, and computer screens
- Increased sensitivity to glare and bright lights
- Difficulty participating in sports or outdoor activities
People with 20/60 vision may also experience headaches, eye strain, and fatigue due to the extra effort required to focus on objects.
Conclusion
20/60 vision means that a person can see at 20 feet what someone with normal vision can see at 60 feet. It can be caused by various conditions, including myopia, astigmatism, keratoconus, and macular degeneration. Treatment options include eyeglasses, contact lenses, laser eye surgery, and corneal transplant surgery. People with 20/60 vision may experience difficulty driving, recognizing people, and participating in outdoor activities. It is important to consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist to determine the underlying cause of 20/60 vision and receive proper treatment.
FAQs
What is the difference between 20/20 and 20/60 vision?
20/20 vision is considered normal vision, meaning a person can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can see at 20 feet. 20/60 vision means a person can see at 20 feet what someone with normal vision can see at 60 feet.
Can 20/60 vision be corrected?
Yes, 20/60 vision can be corrected. Treatment options include eyeglasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery, corneal transplant surgery, or treatment for underlying eye conditions such as myopia or astigmatism.
What are the most common causes of 20/60 vision?
The most common causes of 20/60 vision are myopia, astigmatism, keratoconus, and macular degeneration.
How is visual acuity measured?
Visual acuity is measured using an eye chart, most commonly the Snellen eye chart. A person is asked to read the letters on the chart from a distance of 20 feet.
What are the symptoms of 20/60 vision?
People with 20/60 vision may experience difficulty driving, recognizing people or objects from a distance, and participating in outdoor activities. They may also experience headaches, eye strain, and fatigue.
Can 20/60 vision cause permanent vision loss?
20/60 vision itself does not cause permanent vision loss. However, some underlying eye conditions that cause 20/60 vision, such as macular degeneration, can cause permanent vision loss in severe cases.
References
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020, January 10). Visual acuity: What is 20/20 vision? Retrieved June 22, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/eye-exam/about/pac-20384655
- National Eye Institute. (n.d.). Facts about astigmatism. Retrieved June 22, 2021, from https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/astigmatism
- NIH National Eye Institute. (n.d.). Macular Degeneration. Retrieved June 22, 2021, from https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/macular-degeneration
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2021). Keratoconus. Retrieved June 22, 2021, from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/keratoconus-cause