How do I Improve Vision From 20/40 to 20/20 With Glasses?

Normal visual acuity is measured at a distance of 20 feet and is referred to as 20/20 vision. (see References 1) This means that if you stand 20 feet from an object you can see it clearly at that distance. If you've been tested with 20/40 vision, however, you can see the object clearly if you are no farther than 20 feet away, whereas the person with "normal vision" can stand as far back as 40 feet and see the same details as you do. (see References 1) With the help of prescription glasses, however, it is possible to improve your vision so that you can achieve normal vision.

Things You'll Need

• Glasses prescription

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Instructions

• 1

  Set up an appointment to see your ophthalmologist or optometrist. Inform the doctor of any changes or concerns that you have with your eyesight. Your doctor will check the health of your eyes by performing a slit-lamp examination. In addition, he may dilate your eyes to ensure that there are no underlying health issues, such as diabetic changes in the eye, that are the cause of your 20/40 vision. (see References 2 and 3) He will also perform an automated refraction or a manual refraction using an instrument called a phoropter to determine that he is able to improve your vision with glasses and to obtain your correct prescription. (see References 4)

• 2

  Take your prescription to your eye care professional's optical department or to a separate optical store. Select and order a pair of glasses with the help of the optician, who will help you choose a frame and any additions such as anti-glare coating that can help you receive the clearest vision.

• 3

  Check whether there are any adjustments needed when your glasses arrive. This will help ensure that you are looking out of the optical center of the glasses and are seeing 20/20. Try on the adjusted pair and look around for a few minutes; tell the optician if you feel as if you are still seeing 20/40 or worse. If your visual acuity is not what you had anticipated and you are new to glasses, ask the optician whether there is anything you should expect and how long it may take before you adjust to the glasses.

• 4

  Put on your glasses on in the morning and leave them on throughout your day or as instructed by your doctor. Refrain from taking your glasses off and on during the day because this can cause eye strain and prevent you from properly adjusting to the glasses.