Visual acuity described as “20/200” signifies that an individual must be 20 feet away from an object to see it as clearly as someone with standard vision would see it from 200 feet away. For instance, if a person with standard vision can read a specific letter on an eye chart from 200 feet, someone with 20/200 vision would need to be only 20 feet away to read the same letter. This represents a significant reduction in visual clarity.
Understanding this level of visual impairment is important for several reasons. It can impact a person’s ability to perform daily tasks such as driving, reading, and recognizing faces. Historically, this specific visual acuity measurement has been a significant benchmark for determining legal blindness in many jurisdictions, influencing access to disability benefits and specific services designed to assist individuals with impaired vision. Early detection and understanding of vision impairment allow for timely intervention and management strategies.