Autorefractor
An autorefractor or automated refractor is a computer-controlled machine used
during an eye examination to provide an objective measurement of a person's
refractive error and prescription for glasses or contact lenses. This is achieved by
measuring how light is changed as it enters a person's eye.
A United States Navy optometrist
technician using an autorefractor
during a humanitarian assistance
project in Nicaragua in 2008
Technique
Shin Nippon Nvision K-5001
Refkeratometer
The optics inside a Shin Nippon
Nvision K-5001 Refkeratometer
The majority of autorefractors calculate the vision correction a patient needs
(refraction) by using sensors that detect the reflections from a cone of infrared light.
These reflections are used to determine the size and shape of a ring in the retina
which is located in the posterior part of the eye. By measuring this zone, the
autorefractor can determine when a patient's eye properly focuses an image. The
instrument changes its magnification until the image comes into focus. The process
is repeated in at least three meridians of the eye and the autorefractor calculates the
refraction of the eye, sphere, cylinder and axis. Modern autorefractors are based on
the idea patented by Tom Cornsweet.[1]
Uses
In some offices, this process is used to provide the starting point for the
ophthalmologist or optometrist in subjective refraction tests. Here, lenses are
switched in and out of a phoropter and the patient is asked "which looks better" while
looking at a chart. This feedback refines the prescription to one which provides the
patient with the best vision.
Automated refraction is particularly useful when dealing with non-communicative
people such as young children or those with disabilities.
Retinoscopy
Retinoscopy performed by an experienced clinician has been found to provide a more
accurate estimation of refractive error than autorefraction.[2] Recent studies report
that autorefractor measurements without application of cycloplegia medication can
result in significant overestimation of myopia.[3][4]
References
1. Cornsweet, T. M. (1974, October
22). METHOD AND MEANS FOR
RELAXNG THE
ACCOMMODATION OF THE EYE.
[Link]
[Link]/55/a9/96/91de1054
c19b45/[Link]
2. Jorge J, Queiros A, Almeida JB,
Parafita MA.
"Retinoscopy/autorefraction:
which is the best starting point
for a noncycloplegic refraction?"
Optom Vis Sci. 2005
Jan;82(1):64-8. PMID 15630406
([Link]
v/15630406) .
3. Choong YF, Chen AH, Goh PP.: A
comparison of autorefraction and
subjective refraction with and
without cycloplegia in primary
school children. Am J
Ophthalmol. 2006 Jul;142(1):68-
74. PMID 16815252 ([Link]
[Link]/1681525
2) .
4. Fotedar R, Rochtchina E, Morgan
I, Wang JJ, Mitchell P, Rose KA.:
Necessity of cycloplegia for
assessing refractive error in 12-
year-old children: a population-
based study. Am J Ophthalmol.
2007 Aug;144(2):307-9.
PMID 17659966 ([Link]
[Link]/17659966) .
External links
Trusit Dave "Automated refraction -
Design and applications" in
"Optometry Today" 04/06/04 [1] (htt
ps://[Link]/web/2014122
2180646/[Link]
uk/uploads/articles/ae331f5e9f3c
12ab8e23e345f22b45d4_dave2004
[Link])
"This Company Is Bringing Eye
Exams (And Glasses) To People
Who Can't Afford Healthcare". Read
about Smart Vision Labs in
"Business Insider" 09/29/14 [2] (htt
p://[Link]/sc/s
mart-vision-labs-changing-vision-ca
re-2014-9)
PIKE Ophthalmic, image.[3] (https://
[Link]/web/20151222105
214/[Link]
Retrieved from
"[Link]
title=Autorefractor&oldid=1250230771"
This page was last edited on 9 October 2024,
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