What’s the Difference Between Eyesight and Vision?

The terms “eyesight” and “vision” are often brought up whenever people talk about their eyes. However, many of them tend to mix these two together. An optometrist will explain to you that eyesight is different from vision, but how exactly are the two different? Here’s a rundown from our experts.

Eyesight

Eyesight, as the term implies, refers to what your eyes can see. Eyesight can be affected by different factors such as the amount of light that enters the eye through the pupil, the shape of the pupil itself, the shape of the eyeball, and even the presence of a lens.

What Does This Mean?

Based on the description above, it simply means that eyesight is strictly referring to how the eye captures images. An eye doctor will be able to check if both eyes are able to capture images perfectly and recommend the right treatment if they find anything wrong. This brings us to the other term…

Vision

If eyesight refers to how well the eyes capture images, vision refers to how the brain processes the information coming from the eyes. For example, when looking at an object, your brain may focus on that object while filtering out other things that are within your view.

What Does This Mean?

Because vision refers to the part of seeing that takes place in the brain, there’s more to it than just what you “see”. Vision also allows you to judge how close or far an object is, as well as use existing objects as reference points to where they are. If you have poor eyesight, prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses can help them produce clearer images, which in turn gives you better vision.

Enhance your eyesight for better vision with help from our team. Six One Six Vision Center is the most trusted eye care company in Boise and Eagle, Idaho. You can call us at (208) 514-1858 or fill out this contact form to request a quote.