Visual acuity describes the sharpness or clarity of vision at a distance. This measurement determines how well the eye can distinguish fine details and shapes. Eye care professionals assess this sharpness using a standardized method known as the Snellen test.
This test involves reading rows of letters on an eye chart from a specific distance, typically 20 feet away. The result is expressed as a fraction, such as 20/20, which serves as the universal benchmark for standard vision. Understanding this fraction is the first step in interpreting what your particular result, like 20/60, truly signifies.
Understanding Visual Acuity and the Snellen Scale
The Snellen scale measures visual acuity using a fraction, where the top number (the numerator) represents the distance you stand from the eye chart. In the United States, this distance is fixed at 20 feet. This means that regardless of your result, the first ’20’ always indicates the testing distance.
The bottom number (the denominator) indicates the distance at which a person with standard 20/20 vision could clearly read the same line. The larger the denominator, the poorer the visual acuity.
A result of 20/60 means you must stand at 20 feet to clearly see a letter or shape that a person with 20/20 vision could see clearly from 60 feet away. Essentially, your vision is three times blurrier than the established standard. This measurement is part of a comprehensive eye exam.
What 20/60 Vision Means in Real Terms
Translating the 20/60 fraction into daily life means that objects need to be significantly closer to you to appear sharp. The practical implication is that you would need to be 20 feet from a street sign to read it clearly, while a person with standard vision could read the same sign from 60 feet away. This level of uncorrected vision is generally classified as mild vision loss or near-normal vision.
Activities requiring clear distance vision become noticeably affected by a 20/60 result. Recognizing faces of people walking toward you or clearly seeing details on a television screen from a typical viewing distance can become difficult. This visual reduction can impede your ability to perform certain routine tasks safely and comfortably.
Driving is a common activity impacted by this visual acuity, as most states require a minimum level of vision for an unrestricted license. A 20/60 result often falls below the 20/40 standard needed for driving without corrective lenses. If your uncorrected vision is 20/60, you will likely be required to wear corrective lenses to meet the legal standard.
Addressing and Improving 20/60 Vision
A 20/60 visual acuity result is frequently caused by a refractive error, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. These common vision issues are treatable and often correctable to 20/20 or better. The most common method of correction is through refractive correction.
This correction is achieved by wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses, which adjust the way light focuses onto the retina at the back of the eye. In some cases, people may opt for refractive surgery, like LASIK, to permanently reshape the cornea and eliminate the need for glasses or contacts. These corrective measures are designed to bring your visual acuity up to the standard range.
A 20/60 result can, in some contexts, be the threshold for low vision, especially if it cannot be fully corrected with standard lenses. An eye care professional, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, will conduct a full examination to rule out underlying eye health conditions. This measurement should prompt a discussion with your eye doctor about the best path for correction and long-term eye health.