Many people experience some kind of problem with their vision that leads to difficulty seeing the world clearly without some form of vision correction. But this is a wide spectrum of problems that cause vision difficulties, begging the question: what is considered bad eyesight?
In general, bad eyesight refers to any vision less than 20/20. This is a general standard followed by most optometrists—any vision different than this often needs some kind of vision correction to clearly see the world and safely navigate the environment.
Key Takeaways
- Generally, poor eyesight = anything worse than
- 20/20 vision 20/20 means normal vision, not perfect
- Common causes of bad eye sight are refractive errors: myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia
- Eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts can worsen vision
- Can be corrected with glasses, contacts, or LASIK
What Is 20/20 Vision?
The concept of 20/20 vision is commonly understood as good vision. This doesn’t mean perfect—a person with 20/20 vision doesn’t have incredible clarity and the ability to see for miles more than other people.
20/20 vision refers to the ability to clearly see something at 20 feet without any form of vision correction. But not everybody has 20/20 vision—many people are nearsighted, farsighted, or have some form of vision problem, making it more difficult to see this object clearly.
If you have 20/40 vision, you’d have to be 20 feet away to see something clearly that a person with 20/20 vision can clearly see at 40 feet. If you have 20/60, you need to be 20 feet away to see something clearly when others can see it from much further.
If you have anything other than 20/20 vision, you’re considered to have bad eyesight.
What Causes Bad Eyesight?
There are quite a few things that can cause this bad eyesight. Some of these factors can be environmental, some can be due to your lifestyle, while others are hereditary. However, the most common cause of bad eyesight is a refractive error like:
- Myopia, or nearsightedness, which means objects become blurry the further they are from your eye.
- Hyperopia, or farsightedness. This condition causes you to see distant objects clearly, but nearby objects are blurry.
- Astigmatism, which is a problem with your cornea and causes blurry vision at most distances.
- Presbyopia, which is age-related changes occurring in the natural lens of your eye.
And as you age, your eyes undergo significant changes. The lens becomes less flexible, and your retina can often develop problems. Along with these two significant changes, there are many medical conditions or eye diseases that can cause bad eyesight like:
- Glaucoma, “the silent thief of sight.” This condition is caused by a buildup of pressure inside the eyeball itself, which can damage the optic nerve and cause vision problems.
- Diabetic retinopathy, where damage occurs to the blood vessels in the eye and can damage your vision.
- Cataracts, the clouding of your eye’s natural lens.
If you notice that your vision is suddenly changing, you should visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam so they can determine if you may be developing some kind of eye condition.
How to Improve Bad Eyesight
Unfortunately, bad eyesight doesn’t go away on its own. However, with early intervention and the help of a trained optometrist, this condition can be managed and treated appropriately—or even completely fixed through a corrective surgery like LASIK.
Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are a common choice, as they offer many advantages, including ease of use, affordability, and the ability to protect your eyes from environmental factors. They require some cleaning and care and are an extremely popular way to address bad eyesight.
Contact Lenses
On the other hand, contact lenses offer a wider field of vision and freedom from frames. They require regular cleaning, storage, and care, but can be a convenient alternative to traditional eyeglasses.
Corrective Surgery
In some situations, an optometrist may recommend surgical procedures like LASIK or PRK. These are commonly performed surgeries that can correct certain vision problems like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. However, this isn’t a suitable choice for everyone—you’ll need to undergo a laser surgery consultation with your optometrist so they can determine if this is an appropriate solution for you.
How to Protect Your Eyesight
Taking care of your eyes can help slow vision changes and reduce the risk of developing serious conditions. Here are some simple habits to protect your eyesight:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain from screens
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses: This helps protect your eyes from harmful sun exposure
- Eat eye-healthy foods: Include leafy greens, fish rich in omega-3s, and colorful fruits and vegetables
- Limit screen time and take breaks: Prolonged screen use can lead to digital eye strain
- Keep your eyes hydrated: Blink often and consider artificial tears if your eyes feel dry
- Get regular eye exams: Early detection of issues like glaucoma or cataracts is key to maintaining good vision
Common Myths About Eyesight
There are many misconceptions about vision and eye health. Let’s clear up a few common myths.
Myth #1: Wearing Glasses Makes Your Vision Worse
This is false. Glasses simply correct your vision, they don’t weaken your eyes.
Myth #2: Sitting Too Close to Screens Damages Your Eyes Permanently
While it can cause temporary strain or discomfort, it doesn’t cause permanent damage
Myth #3: 20/20 Vision Means Perfect Eyesight
20/20 vision only measures clarity at a distance, it doesn’t account for overall eye health.
Myth #4: You Only Need an Eye Exam If Something Is Wrong
Many conditions, like glaucoma, develop without noticeable symptoms early on. Regular eye exams are important for early detection and intervention of eye diseases.
Myth #5: Eye Problems Only Happen as You Get Older
Vision issues can occur at any age due to genetics and lifestyle habits.
Get Help for Your Vision
If you are experiencing issues with your vision, you shouldn’t ignore them. Come visit us at Total Vision Tierrasanta for a comprehensive eye exam.
Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care services, from routine eye exams to treatment plans for various eye conditions. Book an appointment with us today to get clear, comfortable vision.
