Expected Refractive Error in Eye Care

Visual Norms and Expected Values

Expected Refractive Error Description

In optometric diagnostics, understanding the range of expected refractive errors is crucial for setting benchmarks against which patient data can be evaluated. Expected refractive errors vary widely among individuals but generally fall within a range that is considered normal for various age groups and visual demands. By establishing a clear understanding of these expected norms, optometrists can better identify when a refractive error is within a normal range or when it may necessitate corrective measures, such as glasses or contact lenses.

VAAbsolute Myopia/HyperopiaUncorrected Astigmatism
20/200.00Small
20/300.501.00
20/400.751.50
20/601.002.00
20/801.503.00
20/1202.004.00
20/2002.00-3.00High