What is considered normal visual acuity?

Normal visual acuity refers to the clarity or sharpness of vision that most people are expected to achieve under standard testing conditions. The measurement of visual acuity typically uses a fraction format, where the first number indicates the distance from which a person can see a specific detail, while the second number represents the distance at which the average person with normal eyesight would be able to see that same detail.

In this case, a visual acuity of 20/20 means that a person can see at 20 feet what an individual with normal vision can also see at 20 feet. This standard is widely accepted in optometry and is used as the benchmark for assessing whether someone's vision is considered normal or not. Additionally, values like 20/15 and 20/10 indicate better than average vision, which is often seen in individuals with exceptional eyesight.

While 20/40 indicates a reduction in visual acuity where the individual can only see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can see at 40 feet, it does not meet the criteria for normal vision. Thus, 20/20 stands as the universally recognized standard for normal visual acuity.