What is the refraction part of the eye exam?
The refraction is that part of the exam where the eyes are tested for glasses. Many people see poorly because their eyes are out of focus. The refraction determines what lenses are needed to best focus the eyes for the sharpest possible visual acuity. Typically, the refraction is done by having the patient view an eye chart through an instrument called a phoropter. The phoropter holds corrective lenses that are custom adjusted by the technician or doctor to match the patient’s eyes, determining best vision, and providing the doctor with the information needed to prescribe proper glasses.