Autorefractometer

LECTURER
MOMNAH NASEER
 Introduction

The refractometry( optometry) is an alternative

method of finding out the error of refraction by use
of an optical equipment called REFRACTOMETER/
OPTOMETER
 Optical principles

 SCHEINER PRINCIPLE

 —THE OPTOMETER PRINCIPLE

 SCHEINER PRINCIPLE

scheiner{1619} observed that refractive error of eye

can be determined by using double pinhole
apertures.
Parallel rays of light entering the eye from a distant
object,are limited to two small bundles when double
pinhole apertures are placed in front of the pupil.
Myopic bundles cross each other before reaching the
retina two small spots of lights are seen.
Hypermetropic rays are intercepted by the retina
before they meet again two small spots are seen.
—.These two points of light can be coalesced to a
single point by moving the double pinhole to the far
point of eye.
So from far point of eye , refractive error of eye can
be found.
 —
THE OPTOMETER PRINCIPLE

Porterfield(1759)
use a single converging lens placed at its focal length
from the eye instead of interchangeable trial lenses.
Light from the target on far side of lens enters the
eye with vergence of zero/minus/plus, depending on
the position of target.
Vergence of light in the focal plane of optometer lens
is linearly related to the displacement of target.
 
A scale with equal spacing can thus be made which
would show the no. of dioptres of correction.
 Early optometers

Needed the pt. to adjust the instrument for best

focus.
3 limitations:
1. Alignment problem
2. Irregular astigmatism
3. Instrumental accomodation
 Modern refractometers

Innovative methods appeared since 1960.

Objective instruments(itself sense the end point of

refraction).
 Basic design of an autorefractor

Comprises Infrared source, fixation target, and badal

optomter.

An infrared light source (around 800-900nm) is

used as its invisible.

Difference is of the order of 0.75-1.50D more

hypermetropic to infrared.
Fixation target: variety of targets have been used for
fixation ranging from animations to pictures with
peripheral blur (to relax accomodation).

Fogging technique
Optometer:
 Virtually all autorefractors have a badal optometer
within measuring head.

 Badal lens system has main advantage that, there is

linear relationship between distance of badal lens
to the eye and ocular refraction within the meridian
being observed.
 Advantages

Less manual labour

Reduce risk of human error
Improve efficiency of practice
Less time consuming
 Disadvantages

Pt cooperation

Ocular diseases(irregular cornea)

Ocular opacities
Conclusion