The determination of the best corrected visual acuity through refraction is a key component of a comprehensive eye examination. It is the most basic and arguably the most important measure of the functional health of the eye. Healthy Sight Counseling reinforces the importance of Snellen acuity, but sees it as only a starting point in the assessment of visual function, emphasizing the need to consider quality as well as quantity of vision.
The refraction is the starting point of the eye exam, and it is essential that it be accurately and meticulously performed. While Snellen acuity is distance acuity, refraction must also take into consideration intermediate and near vision and the appropriate adds prescribed based upon the individual’s age, accommodative status, refraction, visual lifestyle, and specific near-vision needs. Once this has been achieved, Healthy Sight Counseling focuses on “going beyond the numbers”, recommending eyeglass lens enhancements that address relevant quality of vision and ocular protection concerns.
A Basic Component of Vision Care
Unfortunately, in many areas of the world uncorrected and under-corrected refractive errors, which are among the most easily remedied causes of visual impairment, are one of the major obstacles to Healthy Sight. It is estimated that 153 million people worldwide are visually impaired due to uncorrected refractive errors, and that of this group, a startling 8 million are functionally blind simply because they do not have access to simple vision care and corrective eyewear. In fact, uncorrected refractive errors are the second most common cause of blindness after cataract, and they are the most common cause of low vision. And while blindness due to uncorrected refractive error is primarily a problem in the developing world, there is no area of the world that is immune. In developed countries, children and the poor are most often the victims.
The ramifications of uncorrected and under-corrected refractive errors are wide ranging, and impact individuals as well as entire families and societies through decreased quality of life, impaired psychosocial development, missed educational and employment opportunities, and diminished income potential.