20/40 vision is a term optometrists use to describe a degree of nearsightedness (myopia). Being nearsighted affects visual acuity – the clarity and sharpness of your vision. It causes faraway objects to appear blurry, which can make it more difficult to perform some day-to-day tasks.
Fortunately, your eye doctor at Eye Pieces Dallas can prescribe glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision.
Do you know what your visual acuity is? You can find out by booking a comprehensive eye exam with Eye Pieces Dallas in Dallas.
The Definition of 20/40 Vision
Having 20/40 vision means that you can see objects standing 20 feet away that people with “normal” (20/20) vision can see clearly from 40 feet away. In other words, your vision is half as sharp as someone with normal vision.
Your eye doctor will assess your vision using a letter chart, known as the Snellen Chart, and the comprehensive eye test will also determine the best optical prescription to correct your vision.
Having 20/40 vision means your vision is likely to be impacting your daily lifestyle, especially for driving or other activities that require clear vision.
Causes of 20/40 Vision
Myopia occurs when the eyeball’s shape is too long. This causes the light entering the eye to bend incorrectly and focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
People can become nearsighted for a few reasons. One is genetics: children whose parents are nearsighted have a greater chance of being nearsighted.
Studies have also shown that children who spend a lot of time engaged in near work like reading and looking at digital screens, and who spend less than 2 hours a day playing outdoors have a heightened risk of developing myopia.
How is 20/40 Vision Corrected?
If your eye doctor finds that you’re nearsighted, they can prescribe glasses or contact lenses to correct the refractive error. You can then discuss with your eye doctor whether to wear corrective eyewear all the time, or only while doing certain activities.
Schedule An Eye Exam In Dallas
If you’re struggling to see clearly, the first step is to schedule an eye exam. At Eye Pieces Dallas in Dallas our eye care team will evaluate your vision and determine the best course of action. We’re here for you and your family.