Understanding 6/18 Eye Vision: Assessing the Impact and Solutions

6/18 Vision Explained

6/18 eye vision, also known as 20/60 vision, is a term used in the field of optometry to describe a level of visual acuity. It refers to the distance at which a person can see objects clearly, which would appear clear to someone with normal vision at a much greater distance.

For example, a person with 6/18 vision can see clearly from 6 meters what someone with normal vision can see from 18 meters. Without glasses, 6/18 vision is not optimal, but it is far from being considered a severe problem. However, with appropriate correction, such as glasses or contact lenses, 6/18 vision can be significantly improved.

Is 6/18 Vision Good or Bad?

6/18 Vision Without Correction

If your 6/18 vision is uncorrected, it means you are seeing much more acutely than you need to at a closer range, indicating a possible refractive error. A refractive error occurs when the eye cannot focus light properly onto the retina, leading to blurred vision.

While 6/18 is not an optimal vision, it is not necessarily bad either. It can often be corrected to a better level with glasses or contact lenses, bringing your vision closer to normal.

6/18 Vision With Correction

With glasses or contact lenses, 6/18 vision can be improved to 6/9, or better, in some cases even to 6/6. This improvement is crucial as it means you can see clearly at a distance, which is essential for everyday activities like driving, reading, and recognizing faces from a distance.

What to Do if You Have 6/18 Vision?

Consult an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist

It is important to consult a professional eye doctor, either an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. A thorough examination will help diagnose the root cause of the visual error and determine the appropriate corrective measures. Delaying treatment can lead to unnecessary anxiety and potential worsening of the condition.

Check Your Vision in Both Eyes

It is important to check whether the vision issue affects only one eye or both eyes. If your vision is corrected with glasses to 6/6 in both eyes, it is a good sign as wearing glasses will help you see clearly. However, if your vision does not improve to 6/6 with glasses, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist for further evaluation.

Consequences of Unhandled 6/18 Vision

Depth Perception and Near Vision

6/18 vision can lead to moderate difficulty in depth perception and near vision. If your other eye is normal, this condition may be less noticeable, but it can still affect your overall ability to judge distances accurately.

If your near vision is also affected, you might need special reading aids to help you read comfortably. However, this vision issue should not limit your distance vision significantly.

For distance vision, there are low vision aids available that can help with daily activities. Regular eye check-ups are essential to monitor for any anomalies, visual field loss, or other potential issues.

Conclusion

Having 6/18 vision is not a low vision or visual disability. It is a matter of determining whether the visual acuity is correctable or not. If it is correctable, using the appropriate corrective measures can significantly improve your vision. It is crucial to consult an expert in optometry for a proper diagnosis and guidance tailored to your specific needs.

Should you have any doubts or concerns, it is best to reach out to your local optometrist for a complete understanding of your condition and the available corrective options.