Eye refraction is a basic part of
an eye exam that eye doctors need to perform more often than not, whether or
not we are able to bill your insurance of Medicare for the cost. The eye
refraction test allows us to determine what your best possible vision is at
that point in time while wearing a prescription optical lens. In addition, it
gives us the basis for prescribing a prescription optical lens and giving you a
new prescription for a change in eyeglasses should you need one. The most
common type of eye refraction is called a Manifest Refraction and is performed
without the use of eye drops so that we can examine the eye in a natural state.
If you have ever had and eye exam you are probably familiar with the “which is
better, one or two” test-this is a Manifest Refraction. Another type of eye
refraction is called a Cycloplegic Refractions which is performed after the
instillation of eye drops to temporarily immobilize the ciliary muscle of the
eye. This temporarily prevents you from accommodating or “focusing” up close
and is used when there is a need for an even more precise measurement of
refractive error. In addition the eye drops will also dilate the pupil so the
eye doctor can easily see the back of the eye to examine the retina, optic
nerve and blood vessels in order to evaluate their health.
From an insurance standpoint, eye
refractions are considered part of a routine eye exam. Because refractions are normally used to
determine refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, and
therefore prescribe glasses or contact lenses, many insurance companies,
particularly Medicare and Medicaid, do not pay for them. It's important to understand that when
patients are having their eye exam, refractions are a necessary part of a
routine eye exam and must be paid for out of pocket. If you have questions
about the cost of your refraction or billing questions about refraction please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.
Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406 Fall River,
Massachusetts 02720 at 508-730-2020 for patients wishing to learn more about LASIK in Massachusetts or Rhode Island.
