20/13 vision is better than 20/30. A person with 20/13 sees at 20 feet what a typical person sees only at 13 feet.
Meaning
20/20 is normal. In 20/13, you see at 20 feet what a typical person sees at 13 feet, so your vision is sharper than normal.
20/30
Mild reduction. You need to be at 20 feet to see what a typical person sees at 30.
Driving
Most states require 20/40 or better.
Rare
About 20/15 is common in young people. 20/13 is above average.
Check
Annual exam.
Reading the fractions
Visual acuity is measured with a Snellen chart. In 20/30 vision, you see at 20 feet what a person with standard vision sees at 30 feet, so it is slightly below normal. 20/20 is the standard, and 20/13 is better than standard: you can see at 20 feet what a typical person needs to be at 13 feet to see. So 20/13 is better than 20/30.
- Many people in the general population have 20/15 or better, especially young adults.
- Most US states require 20/40 acuity in at least one eye, with or without correction, to get an unrestricted driver’s license.
- 20/200 or worse with the best correction is the legal definition of blindness in the US.
Context
Visual acuity is only one part of eyesight. Contrast sensitivity, peripheral vision, depth perception and color vision matter too. Corrective lenses, LASIK or cataract surgery can improve acuity. Get an eye exam every 1 to 2 years, or as advised for your age and risk. The best number for daily life depends on tasks, such as driving, reading and screen use.
Reading the fractions
Visual acuity of 20/20 is normal. 20/30 means you see at 20 feet what a normal viewer sees at 30 feet, slightly worse than normal. 20/13 means you see at 20 feet what normal sees at 13 feet, which is better than average.
Context
Many states require 20/40 or better for driving without restrictions. 20/13 is above standard.
What the numbers mean
Visual acuity is written as a Snellen fraction. The top number is the test distance in feet (20), and the bottom is the distance at which a person with normal vision can read the same line. 20/20 is considered normal. 20/30 means you must be at 20 feet to see what a normal person sees at 30 feet, which is mildly worse than normal.
Which is better
20/13 is better. It means you can see at 20 feet what a typical person sees at 13 feet. This is better than normal 20/20 and well above 20/30. Many young adults reach 20/15 or better. In the US, 20/40 is the usual limit for an unrestricted driver’s license in most states, and 20/200 or worse with correction counts as legal blindness. Acuity is one part of vision, and a full exam also checks eye health, field of vision and depth perception.
Based on data from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the National Eye Institute
