Visual acuity is commonly measured using the Snellen chart. This chart presents letters of progressively decreasing size at a standardized distance. A score of 20/20 indicates that an individual can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can see at the same distance. Therefore, a visual acuity measurement of 20/30 signifies that a person can see at 20 feet what someone with normal vision can see at 30 feet.
Maintaining clear vision is essential for performing everyday tasks, from reading and driving to recognizing faces and navigating surroundings. While not perfect, this level of visual acuity is often considered adequate for many daily activities and may not require corrective lenses for tasks like driving in most jurisdictions. Historically, the Snellen chart has been a cornerstone of vision assessment, providing a quick and accessible method for determining visual acuity.