Which test assesses the refractive error of the eye?

Visual acuity testing is designed to measure how well a person can see at a given distance, which directly correlates to the assessment of refractive errors in the eye. During this test, different sizes of letters or symbols are presented to the patient, allowing healthcare professionals to determine the sharpness of vision. The results can indicate whether a person has conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism, all of which are types of refractive errors.

In contrast, pupil response testing evaluates the reaction of the pupils to light and accommodation, which doesn't provide information specifically about refractive errors. Intraocular pressure measurement is primarily used to assess risk for glaucoma rather than refractive status, and fundoscopy, which involves examining the interior surface of the eye, helps in detecting various eye conditions but not directly in measuring refractive error. By determining how well an individual can see with corrected lenses during visual acuity testing, practitioners can ascertain the presence and extent of refractive error.