What portion of the eye exam determines the best lens correction for the patient?

The process that determines the best lens correction for a patient is known as refraction. During a refraction, the eye care professional assesses how light rays enter the eye and how they are focused on the retina. This process involves the use of various tools and techniques, including a phoropter, to test different lens strengths. The goal is to find the specific prescription that allows the patient to see clearly at various distances.

Refraction is essential in identifying the patient’s visual needs and can help identify conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. By systematically testing and adjusting lenses, the practitioner can pinpoint the optimal correction for the individual’s vision, which is crucial for enhancing their quality of life.

In contrast, the other options such as examination, diagnosis, and lensometry play different roles in the eye care process. An examination generally refers to the overall assessment of eye health and vision but does not specifically focus on lens correction. Diagnosis involves identifying any conditions based on examination findings and patient symptoms, rather than determining a lens prescription. Lensometry specifically refers to the measurement of prescription lenses rather than the process of determining the best lens correction for a patient. Thus, refraction stands