Which is worst, eye 6 12 or 6 9?

6/12 vision is worse than 6/9 vision.

When comparing visual acuity measurements like 6/12 and 6/9, the second number (the denominator) indicates how far away a person with normal vision would need to stand to see what you can see at 6 meters. A larger denominator signifies poorer vision because you need to be closer to an object to see it clearly compared to someone with normal eyesight.

Understanding Visual Acuity Measurements

Visual acuity is typically measured using a Snellen eye chart. The common notation, such as 6/6, 6/9, or 6/12, describes your distance vision.

What 6/12 Vision Means

6/12 vision indicates that you can discern an object at a distance of 6 meters that a person with normal vision could clearly see from 12 meters away. This suggests a significant reduction in visual clarity, meaning you would need to be twice as close as someone with normal vision to perceive the same detail. Individuals with 6/12 vision often experience blurred vision and may struggle with tasks requiring clear distance vision, such as reading road signs or recognizing faces from afar.

What 6/9 Vision Means

6/9 vision signifies that you can see at 6 meters what a person with normal vision can see at 9 meters. While still not perfect (normal vision is considered 6/6), 6/9 vision is a relatively mild impairment. You are still able to see objects clearly at a reasonable distance, though not quite as far as someone with perfect eyesight.

Comparing 6/12 and 6/9 Vision

To illustrate the difference, consider the following:

As the denominator increases, the vision quality decreases. Therefore, 6/12 vision represents a greater degree of visual impairment compared to 6/9 vision. If your vision is measured at 6/12, it indicates a more significant need for corrective measures, such as prescription glasses or contact lenses, than if it were 6/9.