Refractions

A Critical Part of an Eye Examination

What is a refraction?
The refraction is the portion of your eye exam that measures your ability to see an object at a specific distance. Our technicians perform refractometry. From the exam chair you look through the phoropter toward an eye chart. The phoropter contains lenses of different strengths and types that can be moved into view. Our technicians will ask you which view is clearer as they place different lenses in front of the eye (“Better one or better two?”). When you are able to read the chart most clearly, the technician makes note of the lenses used. This process takes time and patience due to the interaction required for the most accurate outcome.

Why is the test performed?
A refraction is not just for an eyeglass prescription, although a new prescription is often the byproduct of a refraction. The refraction is a critical part of any eye examination. It helps the doctor determine whether your vision is reduced by a medical eye disease (such as cataract, macular degeneration, etc), and helps the doctor follow the progression of cataracts and other conditions.

When you experience, or we measure a change in vision, a refraction is necessary to determine the extent of visual change and possible reason. When the refraction is complete, the doctor compares the new information obtained to your vision with your current glasses. This helps determine whether or not vision changes are due to a need for a new glasses prescription or to a possible medical problem that needs further exploration.

Will your insurance pay for it?
Refraction has always been a non-covered service under the Medicare program. Medicare does not differentiate between “medical refractions” (as described above) and refractions performed solely for the purpose of providing glasses.

Other insurance plans vary depending on your individual benefit coverage. In our experience, unless you have vision benefit coverage your insurance will probably not cover the cost of refraction. Our practice will submit this charge to your insurance carrier on your behalf whether they cover the charge or not. If you know this charge will not be paid by your insurance carrier we ask that you make the payment at the time of service. If you have any questions about refractions, please don’t hesitate to call our office.