What Is 20/40 Vision—and Can LASIK Help?


You’ve probably heard terms like “20/20” or “20/40” thrown around during eye exams, but what do they actually mean—and where does 20/40 vision fall on the spectrum? If your eye doctor has told you that you have 20/40 vision, you might be wondering how it affects your day-to-day life and whether LASIK can help improve it. The good news? In many cases, LASIK can correct 20/40 vision to something sharper, clearer, and completely glasses-free.
What Does 20/40 Vision Mean?
Vision is measured based on how well you can see at a distance of 20 feet. If you have 20/40 vision, it means you can see at 20 feet what someone with “normal” 20/20 vision can see clearly at 40 feet. While 20/40 is still considered legally passable for driving in many states without correction, it’s not ideal—especially if you rely on sharp vision for work, reading, or hobbies like driving at night.
Many people with 20/40 vision find themselves squinting, experiencing mild eye strain, or struggling with distance clarity, even if they can technically “get by.”
Can LASIK Fix 20/40 Vision?
Yes, in most cases, LASIK can correct 20/40 vision—often improving it to 20/20 or better. LASIK reshapes the cornea to refocus light correctly on the retina, which dramatically sharpens vision. Whether your 20/40 vision is caused by nearsightedness, astigmatism, or another refractive error, LASIK is designed to target the root of the issue with precision.
Patients with stable prescriptions and healthy eyes typically make excellent LASIK candidates. And with today’s technology, the procedure is faster, safer, and more effective than ever.
Think LASIK Might Be Right for You?
If you’re tired of squinting or depending on glasses to get through your day, it might be time to consider LASIK. At Lasik Center Medical Group, we offer customized treatments and advanced diagnostics to help you achieve your sharpest vision yet.
Schedule your consulta gratuita to find out if you’re a candidate. Call (949) 251-0229, envía un mensaje a (949) 237-2758, o un email a info@dralexandra.com to take the first step toward life beyond 20/40 vision.