Refraction Eye Exam in Downtown Manhattan, NYC

What Is a Refraction Eye Exam?

When most people think about going to the eye doctor, they think about a vision test, also called a refraction eye exam. When you have a visual refraction eye test, your NYC optometrist determines if you have a refraction error and if your vision needs correction with glasses or contact lenses.

Regular eye exams  with your eye doctor will ensure you have the best vision possible. A comprehensive eye exam includes a refraction exam for eyes, as well as an eye pressure test and a dilated eye exam or Optomap retinal exam, which can alert your eye doctor to the presence of other eye diseases or conditions. For the best eye care in the Manhattan area, turn to the eye care specialists at Eye Physicians.

Why Do I Need an Eye Refraction Test?

When you see as clearly as possible, you have 20/20 vision. The most common reason for imperfect vision is known as a refractive error, and refractive errors can make it hard to see clearly. Many people that have a refractive error don’t realize they could be seeing better.

Things an eye refraction test can check include:

• Evaluating how clearly you’re able to see
• Determining if you have a refractive error
• Calculating the right prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses that help you to see more clearly

For most healthy adults under the age of 60, an eye refraction test should be done every two years. You may need to have this test more frequently if you have a family history of eye problems or if you’re over 60. Those with diabetes should have a diabetic eye exam annually. You may also need to see your eye doctor outside your routine appointment if your vision changes.

Regular eye exams are also important for children, and once a child reaches school age, they should see a pediatric eye doctor  every one to two years. If a child has eye problems, it may affect the way they grow and develop and how well they do in school.

What Are Signs of a Refractive Error?

If you have a refractive error, the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing on the retina at the back of the eye. The shape of the eye may be steeper or flatter than normal or the lens may be thicker or thinner than normal.

You may experience symptoms such as:

• Difficulty seeing up close or at a distance
• Difficulty focusing on a computer screen
• Squinting
• Headaches
• Double vision
• Eye pain

Refractive errors can start in childhood or can develop anytime in adulthood. Children may not know how to express that they’re having trouble with their vision, but you may notice your child squinting or covering one eye to see. If their grades are dropping or they’re having difficulty concentrating, it could be eye related. A pediatric eye exam typically includes a visual refraction eye test.

What Happens During an Eye Refraction Exam?

An eye refraction exam is a painless test that allows your eye doctor to determine how well you’re seeing.

Things to expect during an eye refraction exam include:

1. Your Manhattan eye doctor uses a tool called a phoropter, which is a large tool covered in dials and lenses with holes for you to look through.
2. Your optometrist may shine a light in your eye using a handheld device called a retinoscope. This allows them to see how the light bends off the retina of the eye, which helps them determine what type of refractive error you have.
3. You’re asked to look at an eye chart that’s 20 feet away and to let your eye doctor know the smallest letters you can read. This chart consists of a series of letters that are large at the top and become smaller toward the bottom.
4. The lenses in the phoropter are adjusted by your eye doctor using varying power to determine what lens is most effective in improving your vision.

One eye is tested at a time. The information gathered during the eye refraction exam allows your eye doctor to provide the prescription you need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. It may also prompt additional testing for conditions such as retinal detachment or macular degeneration.

What Can My Eye Doctor Find from a Refraction Eye Test?

A refraction eye test gives your eye doctor the information needed to diagnose a refraction error. This test lets your doctor know if you need corrective lenses and what strength the lenses need to be.

This test lets your eye doctor know whether you have conditions such as:

• Nearsightedness  If you have difficulty clearly seeing objects at a distance but can clearly see objects that are close to you, you may be diagnosed with nearsightedness, also called myopia.
• Farsightedness  Difficulty seeing to read or do other tasks up close is called farsightedness or hyperopia. This condition can occur at any age.
• Astigmatism  Blurry vision both up close and at a distance can be caused by an abnormal shape of the lens of the eye or the cornea, which is a condition known as astigmatism. Many people are born with astigmatism while it develops over time in others.
• Presbyopia  This condition is characterized by difficulty seeing close objects. This is caused by age-related changes in the eye, which is the reason many people over 40 need reading glasses.

Having a refractive error increases your risk of developing other vision problems, such as lazy eye or glaucoma. Eyeglasses are the easiest way to correct refractive errors and also the safest. Contact lenses are an alternative to eyeglasses. Once your eye doctor has prescribed eyeglasses or contact lenses, you need to see your eye specialist every one to two years to make sure your prescription hasn’t changed.

Vision problems don’t always cause obvious symptoms. Regular eye exams are the best way to protect your vision and make sure there are no eye disorders that you aren’t aware of. Contact Eye Physicians  right away to make an appointment for a routine eye exam or if you have any vision changes or other eye symptoms that concern you.

Page Updated on Nov 5, 2024 by Dr. William Hogue, OD (Optometrist) of Eye Physicians

Eye Physicians
110 Lafayette St, Suite 503
New York, NY 10013
(212) 292-4814

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