What does the term "refraction" refer to in an eye exam?

The term "refraction" in an eye exam specifically refers to the process of determining the correct lens prescription for a patient. This is done to evaluate how light is bent (refracted) as it enters the eye, which is crucial for identifying any vision problems. During this assessment, an eye care professional uses various tools and techniques, such as a phoropter, to measure the way light is focused on the retina, helping to identify refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The end goal is to prescribe corrective lenses that will adjust the way light enters the eye, thereby improving visual clarity for the patient. This aspect of vision care is vital for ensuring that individuals have the appropriate tools to achieve optimal vision.

Understanding refraction is essential in ophthalmology and optometry, as it directly impacts how well a patient can see with the help of corrective eyewear.