Empty
Click + to add content

What is a Refraction?

06 Jul, 2020 |

What Is an Eye Refraction Test?

The refraction test, also called eye test or vision test, is a simple procedure performed by an eye doctor to check a person's eyesight. The refraction test determines the prescription of contact lenses or eyeglasses.

Procedure

  • The eye doctor asks the patient to read from a chart (around 20 feet away) while looking through a refractor (or phoroptor). The doctor changes the lenses in the refractor to choose the one that best suits the patient.

Considerations

  • People who have vision problems should take the test every two to three years to determine if they need a new prescription. People over the age of 40 should take the test more frequently.

Normal Result

  • The normal result of the refraction test is 20/20 vision, which means that the person has perfect vision.

Abnormal Results

  • An abnormal result may mean that the person has one of the following vision problems: nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia.

Other Conditions

  • The refraction test can also help the eye doctor determine if the person suffers from the following: ulcers or infections of cornea, detached retina, damaged retina, macular degeneration or blockage of blood flow to the retina.

Related

Sports Eye Safety

When playing your favorite sport, protecting your body from injuries should be a top priority. Many ...

Read More >

The Importance of Sunglasses During Winter

The Importance of Sunglasses During WinterIn the winter, your eyes need the protection of sunglasses...

Read More >

Nutrition and Eye Health

You can help keep your eyes healthier by eating foods that are rich in certain vitamins and nutrient...

Read More >

Vital Tears

"Tears are the nobel language of eyes, and when true love of words is destitute. The eyes by te...

Read More >

Contacts Lenses versus Traditional Glasses

If you need vision correction, there are plenty of options that will help you see clearly. The most ...

Read More >

A Vision of Hope

After six surgeries to his only seeing eye in the last 13 years, Mr. Cornelio Resendiz was running o...

Read More >