Refraction
Refraction
Refraction is a simple, non-invasive test that measures how light bends as it enters your eye to focus on the retina. It helps your ophthalmologist determine your exact glasses or contact lens prescription and check for refractive errors such as:
- Myopia (Nearsightedness) – Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness) – Difficulty focusing on nearby objects.
- Astigmatism – Blurred vision due to irregular corneal shape.
- Presbyopia – Age-related difficulty in near vision tasks like reading.
Symptoms Indicating the Need for Refraction
- You may need a refraction test if you experience:
- Blurred or unclear vision
- Difficulty reading small print
- Frequent headaches
- Eye strain, fatigue, or discomfort
- Trouble seeing distant objects clearly
- Squinting while focusing
Refraction Procedure
- Initial Assessment: Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will ask about your vision problems and medical history.
- Visual Acuity Test: Reading letters on a chart to assess clarity of vision.
- Using a Phoropter or Retinoscope: Different lenses are placed in front of your eyes to find which combination gives the clearest vision.
- Final Prescription: Your exact lens power is determined for glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision effectively.
The procedure is simple, painless, and takes about 10-15 minutes.
Prevention
While refractive errors cannot always be prevented as they are often genetic or age-related, you can maintain good eye health by:
- Going for regular eye check-ups
- Protecting eyes from excessive screen time and UV exposure
- Following good reading posture and adequate lighting
- Managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension
Benefits of Refraction
✔️ Detects vision problems early
✔️ Provides an accurate prescription for clear sight
✔️ Improves daily functioning, work performance, and learning ability
✔️ Reduces eye strain and headaches
✔️ Enhances overall quality of life with better vision