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How Far Can the Human Eye See?

Have you ever wondered how far you can see with the naked eye? How far could you see if you had perfect, 20/20 vision? The answer may surprise you.

The human eye has a wide viewing range, but not as wide as other mammals. In this article, we’ll explain how far the eye can see and what factors affect your range of vision. We’ll also discuss some fun facts about how far other animals can see.

How Does the Human Eye Process Distance Vision?

Distance vision is controlled by specialized cells inside the retina: rod cells and cone cells. Rod cells are responsible for helping you see black, white, and low light. Cone cells help you see distant objects, determine an object’s proximity, and distinguish bright colors and details.

The cornea collects light rays and sends them to the retina, located at the back of the eye. Your photoreceptors then take this light and transmit it as electrical signals, which are sent to the brain through the optic nerve. The brain interprets those signals into what we see.

Now that you have a basic understanding of how vision works, we can take a closer “look” at just how advanced distance vision really is.

How Far Can Humans See?

Sure, we can see close-up objects within a few feet of our faces. We can even see planes in the sky or buildings in the distance — but how far can we see if we have a completely unobstructed view? The answer is virtually infinite, but there are limitations that make it impossible for us to know the true limits of our vision.

For example, gazing up at the night sky may make you wonder how far away your eyes can see. However, the answer is different for everyone, as human vision is limited by biological factors, including eye health and vision correction devices. Another limiting factor is the environment.

The visual acuity of the human eye extends almost infinitely, but because we live on Earth, that infinite view is limited. The curvature of the Earth’s surface means we can only see to the horizon and no further, which is roughly three miles.

If you were to stand on top of a mountain on a clear night, you might see a bright light up to 30 miles away. That’s one reason eagles are said to have better distance vision than humans — their location in the sky gives them a literal bird’s eye view that we don’t have on land.

In addition to the curvature of the Earth, other factors affect distance vision.

What Factors Affect Distance Vision?

Whether or not you can see a skyscraper in the distance will depend on several factors:

Your Personal Eyesight

At your last eye exam, the eye chart may have seemed a little more blurry than before.

A decline in distance and close-up vision is a normal part of the aging process, and three refractive errors frequently appear:

  • Myopia: Also referred to as nearsightedness, myopia causes objects in the distance to appear blurry.
  • Hyperopia: If you can see objects far away but not close up, you have hyperopia, which can mean your distance vision is better than your close-up vision.
  • Presbyopia: This condition primarily affects people over 40 and causes near vision to deteriorate.

The best way to learn if you have one of these conditions is to visit your eye doctor for your normal vision exam. They can help determine your maximum distance vision, monitor the health of your near vision, and prescribe corrective lenses to help you see more clearly.

Brightness

An object's brightness also affects your ability to see it from any vantage point. If the object is very bright, like a candle flame or a lighthouse beacon, your chances of seeing it are greater.

For example, the sun is millions of miles away, but because of the massive amount of light it produces, we can see it in the sky quite clearly.

Line of Sight

No matter how large or small an object is, if there’s an obstruction in your way, you might not be able to see it. The Earth's curvature may also prevent you from seeing more than three miles in any direction on flat land.

However, if you look at the sky on a cloudless, dark night, you can see the Andromeda galaxy 2.6 million light-years from the Earth. That’s because there’s no obstruction to our view of the stars in that galaxy. Additionally, those stars are so bright that they send thousands of photons to every square inch of the Earth.

Our eyesight is virtually unlimited when we have corrective lenses and no underlying eye conditions or obstructions. Unlike other mammals, our eyesight is advanced and correctible with glasses.

For animals like moles and bats, the eyesight odds are not in their favor. Meanwhile, rhinoceroses have such poor vision that they cannot distinguish between a human and a tree at 15 feet away.

How To Get the Vision Correction You Need With Pair

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You may need to see your optometrist if you don’t feel anywhere close to having healthy distance vision. They can give you a thorough vision exam and write you a prescription for corrective lenses. Then, you can take your prescription to an optician and get yourself glasses.

Alternatively, you can take that prescription straight to the pros here at Pair, where you’ll find unlimited style options when you pick just one set of Base Frames.

How It Works

At Pair, we believe you shouldn’t be limited to just one pair of glasses. Instead, you should be able to change your eyewear just like you change your clothes. Tailor your glasses to your outfit, match them to your mood, or wear something special for a big event.

At Pair, it’s easy to build a frame wardrobe that’s sure to turn heads.

Step 1

Stop by our website and select a frame shape. You can shop by your face shape or the style you love most. We offer cat eyes, round, rectangle — you name it! Once you decide which ones are right for you, it’s time to add your lenses.

Step 2

Your prescription from your eye doctor can help you see galaxies far, far away. We can add this prescription to your lenses once you send us the information. Additionally, we offer single-vision, multi-vision, and reading lenses. No matter what you need, we’ve got you covered.

Step 3

Once you’ve selected your Base Frame and lenses, you’ll want to check out our add-on features to support your sight. UV protection, blue-light blocking, and premium lenses are all available.

Additionally, we offer prescription sunglasses as a standalone product or in the form of Sun Tops that work just like our Top Frames. Speaking of Top Frames, let’s talk about what they are and how they work.

Step 4

Have fun! With a single pair of Base Frames, you gain access to hundreds of styles of Top Frames.

Top Frames snap onto your Base Frames to instantly change their look. Whether you want multiple colors, trademarked sports teams, or holiday frames, we’ve got it all. The possibilities are endless, and we continue to add new Top Frames to our collection all the time.

Once you choose your Top Frames, you’re set! Sit back, relax, and wait for your new glasses to arrive.

Style Isn’t Far Away

The human eye can see great distances, but if your vision is suffering, your eyes can’t reach their full potential. Pay a visit to your eye doctor and ensure your vision is corrected with the right prescription. Then, you can take your prescription to Pair, where style is within your reach.

Sources:

Myopia (Nearsightedness): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | Cleveland Clinic

Farsightedness - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic

What Is Presbyopia? | American Academy of Ophthalmology

The Galaxy Next Door | NASA