Do you know the meaning of the term "20/20 vision?" Many might say that the answer is "perfect" vision, but that is not completely accurate. This term is used to express "normal" visual acuity and 20 feet is the reference point used by optometrists in the United States as they test the sharpness of the person's vision.

The numerator in the term of 20/20 refers to the distance in feet from which a person can clearly distinguish objects. The denominator is the distance from which a normal person can clearly see objects. So, if you have 20/20 vision, it means that you can stand 20 feet away from the chart and see clearly what the normal person can see. If you have 20/10 vision, you can clearly see what the normal person can see at 10 feet (twice the normal acuity).

Some people see well at a distance but have difficulty in focusing on objects up close to them. Therefore, they need to be treated for hyperopia (farsightedness) or presbyopia (loss of focusing ability). There are also vision problems that may be caused by myopia (nearsightedness), when you can see items that are close, but cannot see those far away. The prescription for eyeglasses will then be calculated to bring the person's vision to 20/20.

The term "20/20" is commonly used in other ways to possibly mean a clearer understanding, like "hindsight is 20/20." There is even a television program in the U.S. called 20/20.

Lasik surgery is the process of using a laser to help correct eye sight. The surgery changes the shape of the cornea to correct vision problems. The doctor performing the surgery has already examined the patient's eyes, and has a specified pattern that will correct the patient's eyes. They create a flap that they lift off the top of the cornea to do this surgery.

There are several different kinds of Lasik surgeries. For each one a different laser is used. There are a variety of manufacturers for these lasers, and the doctor chooses the one he or she thinks is the best. The surgery is based mainly on the prescription of the eyeglasses the patient has been prescribed. Some of the advantages of having Lasik surgery include quick healing time, precise surgery since the laser is controlled by a computer, the lack of pain from surgery, and glasses may be unnecessary. This kind of surgery also reduces the chance of infection after surgery, since there is no incision made. Recovery time is much less, usually within a few days, than other conventional surgeries where incisions are made and stitches may be used.

Even though the cost may seem high at the time, the money you save in not having to have your glasses replaced every two years or so, the money you save on the charges for the doctor, the money you save on getting glasses replaced or repaired quickly adds up to more than the surgery costs in the long run. The average percentage of risks for Lasik surgery is only around one percent. The most noted are corneal flap complications, dry eye, and irregular astigmatism. Most times corrective surgery or medications will solve these problems.

An alternative to surgery is non-surgical vision correction. The decision to correct your vision must be made on facts, not on a dream of never having to wear glasses. Has it been too annoying playing sports with glasses on your nose? Or if you wear contact lenses, are you tired of getting dust in your eyes?

One eye surgery alternative is called Orthokeratology (Ortho-K). This technology came from the idea of retainers that straighten teeth. Rigid contact lenses mold your cornea in order to improve your astigmatism or are myopia (near sightedness). The eye retainers are worn at night. Eventually, your vision is improved. The retainers are comfortable to wear and easy to care for. To keep the new corneal shape, you wear a contact lens for a short time during the day. The cost is from $800 to $1500 plus the fitting and the lenses. This procedure isn’t permanent so you may have to pay for lenses the next year. Orthokeratology, The Gentle Vision Shaping System™ (GVSS), and Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) are different names for the same procedure.

Another new technology is called Laser Vision Glasses. Precise laser beams drill tiny openings into a pair of non-prescription sunglasses. Your near-sightedness, far-sightedness, or astigmatism will improve after only thirty minutes of wearing the sunglasses! Some patients can even see colors better.

Your eye doctor professional will determine if you’re a good candidate for non-surgical vision correction. Also, ask your health insurer if vision correction is covered. Many insurers consider these procedures to be cosmetic.

If you or anyone in your family is having problems seeing, there are many options available for purchasing eyeglasses. If you have vision health benefits, check with your health care provider to see what limitations, if any, they place on where you can have your eyes examined and eyeglasses made for your prescription. They may have a contract with a specific company.

If not, there are a number of reputable national firms that have offices all over the country. LensCrafters has been in business for over a quarter of a century, with a doctor of optometry, the optical laboratory, and a wide selection of frames together under one roof. There is a store locator on their website, and you can also schedule an exam online. Same-day service is available.

Perle Vision was founded by Dr. Stanley Perle, a Doctor of Optometry, in 1961. There are about 800 Perle Vision offices nationwide to serve your needs. They can assist you in understanding what your health care provider will cover, and boast that you will know exactly what your glasses will cost before leaving the premises, with no hidden extras when you pick them up.

Many Sears outlets also have a vision center. They are accepted by most health care providers. If you are a member of AAA or AARP, there are further discounts available.

Another option you may prefer is to have your eyes examined and use the prescription to order eyeglasses from an online source, such as ReadingGlasses.com, which claims to be the world's largest designer reading glasses store. At their website, you can shop by price range or by designer, such as Dior, Gucci, and Armani. They have thousands of frames from which to choose, starting from about $25.

The need for screening, contrary to common belief, is definitely not age specific. The need to screen the vision of children is just as important as seniors who need to be screened regularly. While the older eye patients have a reference point, and can evaluate when their vision has deteriorated. The young child, on the other hand, has no such point of comparison to help them decide if their vision needs help or correction.

In fact, the importance of screening children is quite important. As stated before, a child has no reference point to use for comparison, or keep even realize that deteriorating eyesight is not the norm. After all, they keep seeing all kinds of changes in their young growing bodies. They have no way of differentiating between what should be happening and what not. They also often do not know how to verbalize any of these problems and changes. Poor vision in young children affects how they read properly or their ability to see the board to read their lessons.

In the case of older patients we must worry about various diseases of the eyes, such as glaucoma and cataracts in addition to the normal deteriorating eyesight. Elderly patients are notorious for denying that they are suffering from any "old age problems". Teenagers and young adults who are very oriented by their appearance, are also prone to deny a need for corrective lenses. The same is true, to a lesser degree with many other adults. Also the often slow rate of visual may not become noticed until the loss of vision has become problematic. Hence, people from a young age throughout their entire lives need to have regular vision screenings.