Taking the Anxiety Out of the Refraction Process

Taking the Anxiety Out of the Refraction Process

Better 1 or 2? Better 3 or 4?… Do you ever get overwhelmed during the part of your exam when the technician or doctor have you in this machine (phoropter) and they ask you to make decisions on which lens looks more clear? Well, you are not alone!! Tons of people get anxious about this process. They are afraid they’re going to mess up their glasses prescription by choosing wrong, or they feel a little confused because sometimes they can’t see much difference between the options. Your questions and concerns are ok, and we are here to answer them, and to make you feel more comfortable and confident during this process.
First of all, this process of determining prescription is called a refraction. Before we begin the refraction, we obtain an auto refraction (AR) in the machine where you see the hot air balloon or the farm house picture- this AR reading gives us an estimated prescription that we enter into the phoropter, so we are ALREADY starting at a place that is going to be decently clear and comfortable; the part where you get to make choices are usually just very small variations of this auto refraction, and we as trained technicians and optometrists are there to ensure the best possible outcome — we do not let too much power get pushed through, and we are there to make sure you get the best possible vision and comfort with your new prescription. Also, if ever cannot tell a difference between “1 and 2” that is perfectly OK, and we want you to tell us just that— “no difference.” So next time you have an eye exam, take the pressure off your self, and relax. We are here to take care of you, and work with you to achieve your best possible vision.