Refractive error

Refraction is a test that optometrists and ophthalmologists use to measure a person’s refractive error.

A refractive error is when your eye does not bend the light coming into your eye properly as it passes through the cornea, the crystalline lens, and fluid media to come to a sharp, clear focus onto your retina.

The test will tell the optometrist or ophthalmologist what lens prescription you need in order to have normal 20/20 vision.

Refraction can diagnose the following eye conditions:

Myopia

Nearsightedness (Myopia) is a common vision condition in which person is able to near objects clearly, but objects farther away appear blurry. Myopia can be confirmed using a basic eye exam and can be corrected using eyeglasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common treatable vision condition which occurs due to imperfect curvature of the eye leading to blurred vision. In astigmatism, near objects and distant objects both appear blurred and hazy. Astigmatism can be corrected using corrective lenses and surgery.

Hyperopia

Farsightedness (Hyperopia) is a common vision condition in which person is able to farther objects clearly, but objects nearby appear blurry. Hyperopia can be confirmed using a basic eye exam and can be corrected using eyeglasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.