The Refraction Process Explained

A standard refraction process has to be both “fast and accurate” and “comfortable.” The steps below help you set your expectations for a proper refraction visit.

Process Overview

1. History taking: your visual habits, past refractive history, and any dry-eye or allergy history.
2. Initial examination: unaided and corrected visual acuity on the chart, plus an examination of the anterior segment and pupils.
3. Objective refraction: an autorefractor or retinoscopy gives the starting prescription.
4. Subjective refraction: the comprehensive optometry unit fine-tunes the result step by step to a prescription that is comfortable and clear.
5. Binocular balance: coordinate the binocular visual function so that neither eye is over-corrected.
6. Additional tests: cycloplegic refraction (common for children and adolescents), intraocular pressure, and fundus screening.

Tips

• Rest well before your refraction appointment and avoid long periods of close-up work beforehand.
• Children and people with high myopia should have regular cycloplegic refraction and fundus examinations.