What is 20/20 Vision?

If your child has been diagnosed with myopia (short-sightedness), you’ve probably heard terms like “20/20 vision” during eye tests. But what is 20/20 vision, does it mean perfect eyesight, and how does it relate to children with myopia? Here’s a clear, parent-friendly guide.

What is 20/20 vision?

20/20 vision describes visual acuity — how clearly someone can see at a standard distance on an eye chart. In the UK you may also see 6/6, which is the metric equivalent of 20/20. If a person has 20/20 vision, it means they can read at 20 feet what a person with “normal” vision should be able to read at 20 feet.

This measurement is taken using a Snellen chart (the one with rows of letters that get smaller each line). It’s a test of clarity at a distance, not a full assessment of eye health.

Is 20/20 “perfect” vision?

Not exactly. 20/20 is considered normal sharpness at distance, but it doesn’t measure everything:

• Focus and comfort at near distances (important for schoolwork and screen use)

• Depth perception and contrast sensitivity

• Peripheral vision and eye teaming (how both eyes work together)

Overall eye health

A child can have 20/20 vision and still experience eye strain, reading difficulties, or other functional vision issues. Likewise, a child with myopia may reach 20/20 vision with glasses or contact lenses, but the underlying condition still needs monitoring.

How does 20/20 relate to myopia?

Myopia means the eye focuses light in front of the retina when looking far away, making distant objects blurry. Many children with myopia won’t see 20/20 at distance without correction. With the right glasses or contact lenses, they may achieve 20/20 acuity — but that doesn’t mean the myopia has gone away or stopped progressing.

Why this matters:

Myopia often increases as children grow. Higher levels of myopia are linked with a greater lifetime risk of eye health problems (such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy). That’s why focusing only on “getting to 20/20” isn’t enough; ongoing myopia management is important.

Common vision results you might hear

20/20 (6/6): Normal distance clarity at the standard testing distance.

20/40 (6/12): You must be at 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 40 feet.

Better than 20/20 (e.g., 20/15): Sharper than average distance clarity. These numbers describe clarity at distance only; they don’t reflect how the eyes are growing or overall eye health.

Signs your child’s vision needs attention

• Squinting to see the board or distant signs

• Sitting very close to screens or books

• Headaches or eye strain after reading or screen time

• Rubbing eyes often or reduced interest in outdoor play If you notice these signs, book an eye examination with an eye care professional. Regular checks are vital for children, even if they previously “passed” a school screening.

What parents can do: myopia management basics

Myopia management is about more than clear sight today — it aims to slow the progression of myopia as your child grows. Evidence-based options, recommended by eye care professionals after a comprehensive exam, may include:

• Myopia control spectacle lenses designed to slow progression

• Orthokeratology (overnight lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea)

• Low-dose atropine eye drops (prescribed where appropriate)

• Lifestyle guidance: more outdoor time (aim for around 2 hours a day where possible), regular breaks from near work (e.g., the 20-20-20 rule), good lighting, and balanced screen habits

• Each child is different. An eye care professional can recommend the best combination based on your child’s prescription, age, eye health, and daily routines.

Understanding what 20/20 vision means can help you interpret eye test results, but it’s only part of the picture. For children with myopia, reaching 20/20 with glasses or contacts is important for daily life and learning — but actively managing myopia is key to protecting long-term eye health.

For more trusted guidance, evidence‑based options and practical support, read our complete guide on myopia control.