Refraction Service

What is a Refraction?                           

Refraction Process

As light rays pass through the eye they are bent by mediums of different density and curvature. When those rays do not appropriately converge to a focal point on the retina, it is known as a refractive error. The process to measure the error in the path of the light rays is called the determination of refractive error. With the refractive error, and several other pieces of information, the doctor makes a decision as to the appropriate prescription for corrective lenses. This process is called a refraction.

Medical Eye Examination

During a medical eye exam an ophthalmologist or optometrist examines the general health of the eye. As part of this examination a determination of refractive error is often done to help diagnose and treat eye disease. If evidence of disease is detected during this examination, various treatment options may be offered, including medications and surgery. Some office visits also require a refraction in addition to the medical eye examination.

Refraction

A refraction is different from the determination of refractive error in that a decision must be made about which lenses should be prescribed to treat the refractive error. For those who already wear glasses, the technician uses a specialized instrument to determine the power of the patient’s current glasses. Using another instrument called a phoropter the patient often participates in the selection of various lenses in the process of determining the refractive error. Based on current glasses power, historical information, the determined refractive error, and other information from the examination, the doctor selects the optimal corrective lens power for each eye. The doctor additionally considers the need, if any, for specialized lens materials and treatments. Then a prescription for glasses is provided to the patient.

Insurance Coverage

While a refraction is necessary for a patient to receive a prescription for glasses or contact lenses, many insurance plans do not cover this service. Medicare, for example, does not cover refractions. Some other insurance plans cover refractions under a separate vision care portion of the plan. As a patient, you can check with your insurance plan or plans to find out if you have coverage for refractions and any limitations on that coverage.

Cost of Refraction

The charge for a refraction at Eye Associates of New Mexico is $35.

Depending on your insurance plan, you may be responsible for the refraction fee in addition to any applicable co-insurance payment for the office visit. We greatly appreciate your payment at the time of service.