Refraction

Subjective refraction, or simply refraction, is one of the most common tests performed daily in an ophthalmologist’s surgery. Using lenses with different strengths, we can obtain the patient’s exact prescription. In this way we can find out if the patient has a refractive defect such as myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. It also helps us to establish the progression of any of these pathologies in order to treat them in the best possible way. It can also alert us to the appearance of other pathologies in incipient stages, such as cataracts, presbyopia, glaucoma, etc.

Graduation is complemented by other types of more specific tests, including, for example, measuring the patient’s sensitivity to contrast, their degree of depth perception or their ability to distinguish colours. The latter is particularly important in assessing for possible colour blindness.