By Dr. Adaeze Nwoko (OD)
Understanding the Difference Between Sight and Vision
Sight and vision are often used interchangeably, but they mean very different things in eye care. Sight is the physical ability of the eyes to see a clear image. Vision, on the other hand, is how the brain interprets what the eyes see. Sight is a function of quantity — how much you can see. Vision is about quality — how well you can process, understand, and interact with the world through what you see.
A Simple Example
During a routine eye test, your optometrist may ask you to read from a chart placed 6 meters away. This test measures your sight — whether it is 6/6 or 20/20, or whether you have refractive issues like myopia or hyperopia.
However, even with perfect sight, you may still struggle with vision. If your brain cannot accurately judge distances, identify colors, or coordinate both eyes well, your vision quality suffers. This can lead to headaches, strain, or difficulty reading.
Factors That Affect Sight
Sight is primarily affected by issues with how the eye focuses light. These include:
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Myopia (short sightedness)
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Hyperopia (long sightedness)
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Astigmatism
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Presbyopia (age-related near vision decline)
These conditions affect how clearly you see and are commonly corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Factors That Affect Vision
Vision goes beyond clarity. It includes your ability to process and interpret images. Conditions that may impact vision include:
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Contrast sensitivity problems
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Color vision deficiencies
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Strabismus (eye misalignment)
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Amblyopia (lazy eye)
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Binocular vision problems
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Accommodative dysfunctions
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Cognitive or neurological disorders
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Eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts
These issues can affect how well your eyes work together or how efficiently your brain processes images, even if your sight is clear.
Why Both Sight and Vision Matter
Good sight allows you to see clearly. Good vision allows you to interact meaningfully with what you see.
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Sight helps you detect an object. Vision helps you understand what it is, how far it is, what color it is, and what it means.
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Vision is key to tasks like reading, driving, and depth perception.
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A person with 6/6 sight but poor vision may still experience discomfort, eye strain, or learning challenges — especially in children.
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Proper binocular vision, good contrast sensitivity, and accurate depth perception are all part of strong visual performance.
When Should You Get Checked?
You may need a comprehensive vision assessment if:
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You experience headaches despite clear vision
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Reading becomes uncomfortable
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You struggle with eye coordination
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A child is having learning difficulties despite seeing well
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You experience double vision or depth perception issues
At SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi, we assess not just how clearly you see, but how well your visual system functions as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I have perfect sight and poor vision?
Yes. You may see clearly on a chart but still struggle with focusing, tracking objects, or interpreting what you see.
What is the difference between a sight test and a vision test?
A sight test checks your refractive error (e.g., myopia). A vision test evaluates how your brain processes what you see, including eye coordination, color vision, and more.
How can I improve my vision?
Proper correction, visual training, and therapy can improve vision. Visit SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi for a comprehensive evaluation.
📍Contact SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi
SpecSMART Eye Clinic
Address: Ikoyi Plaza, Keffi Street, Ikoyi.
📞 0701 820 7486
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Sight is only part of the picture. At SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi, we examine both your eyes and your vision to ensure you’re truly seeing — and living — your best.
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