Snellen Eye Chart

Guffrey

So, I am preparing to apply to some jobs that require eye vision to be near perfect correct, and a certain number uncorrected. Now, I realize the only way to be sure is to go to the eye doc and get tested. But just to get an idea, I decided to do some online vision tests. Now, I know I read in instructions "try not to squint". Obviously if you squint you need corrected vision. But if I don't squit, I can read the top line. If I do squint, I rate in at 20/100. Which is my real number? I'm leaning towards 20/100 simply because I can do it, but I'm not sure what a doc would say. Thanks.

Sir Red of the Manti

Online vision tests aren't an accurate gauge of your vision, as variations between monitors, monitor resolutions and lighting conditions would cause the same test to appear differently across different environments. Seeing an optometrist is the only way to go with something like this.

Hahnsoo1

First of all, 20/20 vision isn't perfect. The average adult doesn't even approach 20/20 vision until their late 60s-70s. 20/15 or 20/10 is actually the norm for the average adult, but 20/20 is considered the average "acceptable" standard.

Squinting imitates the classic pinhole occluder and allows light that more or less has a straight path to the retina, thus filtering out the rays that come in at an angle (which would have a refractive error). Most optometrists and ophthalmologists are trained to observe the person viewing a Snellen chart and note whether or not the subject is squinting. While it doesn't invalidate the test, the Snellen itself is just a screening tool and won't definitively rate your vision.

This all being said, the only true answer you are going to get is going to an eye specialist (optometrist/ophthalmologist/etc.). You are probably more on the 20/200 side than the 20/100 based on what you are describing.