An autorefractometer is a computerized eye exam device that objectively measures your eye's focusing power (refractive error) by shining light in and analyzing its reflection, quickly determining a starting prescription for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, making eye exams faster and more efficient, especially for children or those unable to communicate well. It provides initial Sphere (SPH), Cylinder (CYL), and Axis values, which optometrists then refine during a subjective test for the final glasses or contact lens prescription.
Auto Refractometer
Overview
How it works
- Patient Fixation: You rest your chin on the machine and look at a distant image (like a balloon or bullseye).
- Light Projection: The device projects light into your eye.
- Light Reflection: It measures how the light reflects off your retina.
- Calculation: An internal processor calculates the bending of light to determine the refractive error.
- Results: It provides an objective estimate of your prescription in diopters (SPH, CYL, Axis).
Key Uses & Benefits
- Objective Measurement: Doesn't rely on your verbal responses, great for kids, elderly, or non-verbal patients.
- Speed & Efficiency: Quickly provides initial readings, speeding up busy clinics.
- Screening Tool: Essential for vision screening programs.
- Pre-Surgery: Helps in pre-testing for refractive surgery like LASIK.
- Starting Point: Offers a baseline for manual (subjective) refraction.