Visual acuity test

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X

Eye

Normal, nearsighted, and farsighted vision

Visual acuity test

Eye test - acuity; Vision test - acuity

Visual acuity is expressed as a fraction. The top number refers to the distance you stand from the chart. This is usually 20 feet. The bottom number indicates the distance at which a person with normal eyesight could read the same line you correctly read. For example, 20/20 is considered normal. 20/40 indicates that the line you correctly read at 20 feet can be read by a person with normal vision from 40 feet away.

Abnormal results may indicate that you need corrective lenses to obtain normal vision, or may indicate an eye condition requiring further evaluation.

Related topics:

• Nearsightedness
• Farsightedness
• Presbyopia
• Amblyopia (lazy eye)

Review Date: 02/22/2007
Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.