Certified Paraoptometric Practice Test

What does the retinoscope indicate about the patient's refractive error?

1. All motion in every direction is stopped when the light is moved across the pupil

2. The patient fixates with only one eye while the other eye turns in

3. The area of the space visible to the eye

4. Perimetry

The correct answer is: All motion in every direction is stopped when the light is moved across the pupil

A retinoscope is a device used to measure a patient's refractive error, which refers to the way the eye bends light and produces images. Option B is incorrect because the patient's fixation may not necessarily be affected by their refractive error. Option C is incorrect because the retinoscope does not measure the visible space, but rather the eye's ability to focus light. Option D, perimetry, is a different test used to measure the extent and boundaries of a patient's vision. Option A is the correct answer because when the light from the retinoscope is moved across the patient's pupil, it should produce a red reflection called a "reflex." When this reflex is completely stopped in all directions, it indicates that the patient's refractive error has been neutralized. This helps the doctor determine the patient's eyeglass prescription.