Image display apparatus

An image display apparatus comprising:

• a light source;
• an image generating element configured to convert light from the light source into image light;
• a light guide element configured to guide the image light to an observer;
• and
• a light guide unit configured to guide the image light to the light guide element, wherein the light guide element has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the image generating element is disposed to face the second surface of the light guide element,
• wherein the light from the light source enters the first surface, transmits through the light guide element and the light guide unit, and enters the image generating element to be converted into the image light, and the image light transmits through the light guide unit and enters the second surface, and
• wherein a distance between an exit surface of the image generating element for emitting the image light and an incident surface of the light guide unit which the image light enters is longer than 0 mm and equal to or shorter than 5 mm.