Placing enough plus power in front of the eye to blur the patient's vision and limit accommodation is known as what?

The term "fogging" refers to the technique of deliberately adding plus power to a patient's corrective lenses or testing glasses to create a blurred vision effect. This approach limits the patient's ability to accommodate, or adjust their focus, and is commonly used during refraction assessments to determine the best lens prescription. By "fogging" the vision, optometrists can help distinguish between the patient's inherent refractive state and any potential accommodation they may be trying to exert.

The technique is particularly useful in comparing the patient's vision through different lens powers, as it allows for a clearer evaluation of their actual refractive needs without the interference of the eye's focusing ability. This method ensures more accurate measurements and enhances the overall reliability of the vision correction being prescribed.