What does 20/15 vision mean?

You've probably heard about 20/20 vision and might think that's the perfect number when it comes to visual acuity, the measure of exactly how sharp and clear objects appear at a specific distance. Here's the secret, though: There are people with vision even better than 20/20. A visual acuity of 20/15 lets someone see things at 20 feet that even those with 20/20 eyesight find a bit blurry. 

Understanding visual acuity measurements

If you've ever stood in front of an eye chart reading off random letters, you've taken a visual acuity test. This chart is called a Snellen chart, and the test involves placing you 20 feet away and checking which lines you can read. If you make it to the 20/20 line, that indicates that you can see things at 20 feet that anyone with normal vision should be able to see at that distance. If you can read the smaller letters on the 20/15 line, your vision is better than average.

The 20/20 standard

When it comes to normal vision, 20/20 is considered the baseline. People who can read lines below this one on the Snellen chart see things in higher definition, particularly objects that are far away.

Deciphering 20/15 vision

Visual acuity is measured using a fractional system of two numbers. This makes it easy to understand exactly how far you can see clearly.

The first number: 20

When someone describes 20/20 or 20/15 vision, that first number is simply an indicator of where you're standing during the eye test. That first 20 just means 20 feet, and the distance is pre-measured, so no one needs to break out a ruler before you start.

The second number: 15

This number indicates how far someone with normal vision has to stand to see a particular line of the Snellen chart. For those with 20/20 vision, this means they'd need to step 5 feet closer, to a distance of 15 feet, to read that line accurately. Those with 20/15 vision can continue chilling back there at the 20-foot distance and still get a clear view.

Implications of 20/15 vision

Having 20/15 vision doesn't just help with reading letters off a chart. It also means you might be able to read faraway road signs or pick out intricate details in artwork. It might also extend to improving your ability to see close-up things, like laundry instructions printed in impossibly small type on the tag of your favorite shirt.

Maintaining and managing 20/15 vision

Eye health and regular exams

Getting regular eye exams is key to maintaining good vision at any visual acuity level. You can even take an online eye exam for added convenience.

Having your eyes assessed regularly lets you know if anything has changed and whether you need a new or altered prescription. Plus, you get to take that cool eye chart test again. This time, you'll definitely get that letter K you always miss.

Corrective lenses and procedures

Just because you have 20/15 vision doesn't mean you don't need corrective lenses. Some eye issues have nothing to do with visual acuity and might involve other aspects of eye shape or function. The goal of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery is usually to get eyesight to the 20/20 level, but some corrective lenses are used to adjust for depth perception or eye coordination issues. 

Understanding and appreciating 20/15 vision

While 20/15 vision is pretty cool, it isn't the only aspect of eye health to consider. Get the prescription contact lenses you need from 1-800 Contacts (there are even discount codes) to keep your vision as crisp and clear as possible.

Frequently asked questions:

Is 20/15 vision considered perfect vision?

There's no such thing as perfect vision, but 20/20 is considered the standard for normal vision. 20/15 vision is better than that, which makes it pretty close to perfect, but some rare individuals may have a visual acuity range up to 20/10.

Can 20/15 vision change over time, and what are the common causes?

Visual acuity can change over time as the shape of the eye changes, especially once you reach middle age. Regular eye exams help monitor these changes.

Can individuals with 20/15 vision still experience vision problems or eye conditions?

Even if you have 20/15 vision, you may still experience eye conditions that affect how well you see. Examples include a mismatch between how each eye interprets visual cues, a condition such as glaucoma, or problems with peripheral vision.