Evaluation of a hand held autorefractor in refractive error study in children

Objective:To evaluate the accuracy and application of a hand held autorefractor in refractive error study in children.Methods:Cycloplegic retinoscopy and autorefraction with Nikon Retinomax K Plus  refractor were performed by optometrists and ophthalmologists independently in 5884 aged 5～15 years, after applying 1% Cyclogel.Results:The correlation coefficient between retinoscopic and autorefractive spherical equivalent diopters was 0.95. The agreement between retinoscopy and autorefraction was within three fourths of a diopter for 95% measurements. Autorefraction generally produced more negative measuements, however, approximately one fourth diopter across the entire refractive error range for both right and left eyes.Conclusion:The agreement between cycloplegic retinoscopic and autorefractive spherical equivalent diopter was high. Nikon Retinomax K Plus autorefractor is an accurate and useful instrument to estimate refractive error in refractive error study in children. [FK(WB80011。6]