Refractions are the part of the eye exam when you look through a set of lens at an eye chart trying to determine the best view of the letters as your doctor changes lenses repeatedly.  The end result translates the data from the refraction into a prescription for either glasses or contacts that brings your eyesight to 20/20 vision – perfect vision.

The refraction test can also help to determine if the person has other eye problems such as ulcers or infections of cornea, detached or damaged retina, macular degeneration or blockage of blood flow to the retina.