Detailed Information:
A refraction test is done as part of a routine eye test to determine if a person has normal vision. This test is performed in the eye doctor’s office. The patient sits in a chair that has a special device (refractor) attached to it and looks through the refractor at an eye chart approximately 20 feet away. The refractor contains lenses of different strengths that can be moved into the patient’s view. The eye doctor will ask if the chart appears more or less clear with the lenses that are in place. The eye doctor can determine if a person has myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), an astigmatism (asymmetrical cornea), or presbyopia (inability to focus on objects that are close to you). The extent of vision difficulty can be determined. The information obtained from a refraction test allows the prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses to be correct for each person.
Related Conditions:
Farsightedness
Nearsightedness
Last updated: 01-Jan-00
