Glossary > Healthcare > Vision Care > General

Refraction

Refraction in the context of healthcare/Vision Care refers to the process of determining the appropriate prescription needed for corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, to improve a person's vision clarity.

Example #1

During a refraction test, an optometrist or ophthalmologist will ask you to look through a series of lenses and determine which ones provide the clearest vision.

Example #2

After a refraction test, the doctor will provide you with an eyeglass prescription that specifies the lenses needed to correct your vision.

Misuse

Misuse of refraction could occur if a healthcare provider inaccurately performs the test or deliberately prescribes incorrect lenses. This could result in the patient receiving glasses or contacts that do not properly correct their vision, leading to discomfort, strain, and potential long-term eye issues. It is crucial to ensure that healthcare professionals conduct refraction tests accurately and ethically.

Benefits

The benefit of refraction is that it helps individuals achieve clearer vision and better quality of life by addressing common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. By prescribing the right corrective lenses, refraction enables people to perform daily activities more comfortably and safely.

Conclusion

Understanding refraction is essential for consumers seeking vision correction. It is a crucial step in the process of determining the right prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, ultimately improving vision clarity and quality of life. Consumers should ensure that refraction tests are conducted accurately and that the prescribed lenses effectively address their vision needs.