Refraktív

Refraktív is an adjective used to describe anything related to refraction, the bending of light as it passes between media of different optical densities. In optics, refraktív describes materials, interfaces, and devices whose primary function involves changing the direction or focus of light, such as lenses, prisms, and waveguides. The behavior of light at refractive boundaries is governed by Snell's law and involves refractive index.

In ophthalmology and vision science, refraktív refers to the eye's ability to refract light and to contact refractive errors. Refractive errors—myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia—occur when the eye’s optical power produces images that do not land on the retina. Refractive assessment uses various methods, including objective and subjective refraction, retinoscopy, auto-refractors, and phoropters. Corrective measures involve spectacles, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (LASIK, PRK, SMILE) to adjust the focal point onto the retina.

In everyday use, refraktív is also encountered in contexts such as the design of optical instruments, photography, and displays, where precise control of light paths and focal properties is essential. The term emphasizes the optical interaction between light and materials rather than the material’s color or texture.