Checking the fundus using dilated pupils drops is a thing of the past. The outdated method is being replaced by the latest computer equipment. Surely those who have to wear glasses or lenses have heard the word "autorefractometry" more than once. What it is? Let's try to figure it out.
What is autorefractometry?
Autorefractometry is a computer procedure that examines the cornea of the eye in order to determine diseases such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism. The beauty of this procedure is the speed and accuracy of the result. The device accurately and in a short time determines what is the refraction of the eye. This allows both adults and children to undergo the procedure. What is this procedure? Let's discuss the issue in more detail.
Eye refraction is a complex process that is driven by a living optical system. In other words, the human eye is too complex. We can see because the light beam penetrates the cornea, then it reaches the anterior chamber and lens, and only then the vitreous body, which refracts the light so that it focuses on the eye retina. Interesting fact: at the moment when the light hits the retina, the image is perceived in an inverted form, and only after it is transformed into impulses does the usual image appear in front of us. If not for this property, then a person would perceive the world around him upside down.
Refraction research
If we consider the word "refraction" itself, then it will denote the ability to refract light by the eye. In order to indicate refraction, a measurement system such as diopters was introduced. If we are talking about measuring refraction in an ophthalmologist’s office, then a clinical effect is implied, while in a natural environment, refraction will be natural, physical. A clinical study allows for accommodation. Thanks to this ability, a person has the opportunity to focus his eyes on an object, regardless of its distance. Tests conducted in the doctor’s office allow you to identify accommodation and determine how carefully this function is performed. Thus, we can conclude what autorefractometry in ophthalmology is. This is an objective method for assessing the features of the cornea of the eye and its ability to absorb and reflect light rays.
Research methods
Eye refraction is a basic concept for an optometrist. Thanks to the performance of autorefractometry, it is possible to identify deviations in the functioning of the visual apparatus. Therefore, this procedure has gained incredible popularity in clinical medicine. An examination is impossible without a special device - a refractometer. This device independently conducts a test and produces a result, for which, autorefractometry was performed, for the most part. Decoding of the result is carried out by an ophthalmologist. He looks at the refractive index, determines the diameter and functionality of the cornea, and also calculates the radius of curvature deviation.
In order for the result to be accurate, it is necessary to exclude all eye irritating factors. This is necessary so that the eye is calm and nothing prevents it, because excessive muscle contraction can lead to an incorrect result, which will lead to unpleasant consequences. To avoid this, the patient is asked to focus on a picture that is very far away. An interesting fact: earlier, a simple dot was used as such a picture, now in new devices an image of a ball or Christmas tree appears, which allows the device to determine the parameters more precisely.
The principle of operation of the apparatus
At a time when the patient is looking intently at the image, the doctor starts the device, and autorefractometry begins. What is this, the researched may not even understand. For him, the process will be painless and not cause discomfort. An infrared ray sent to the eye is refracted several times until it reaches the fundus and the retina. After that, he seems to be reflected from there and comes back. The time for which the beam returns is the main parameter. This technique became available only with the advent of the refractometer, because a person can’t cope with this task.
Benefits of Autorefractometry
Humanity has long appreciated the benefits of autorefractometry. What is it worth everyone to know, because it allows you to evaluate the initial stage of eye deformation and notice deviations. Autorefractometry, the norms of which are clearly spelled out and indicated, is easily carried out in large diagnostic centers, so try to get an appointment with a doctor who has the apparatus mentioned above.
Also the big pluses of the procedure are:
- confirmation of hyperopia and myopia;
- generating clear parameters;
- the possibility of obtaining data of anisometropia and its degree;
- speed and accuracy of research.
Errors and Nuances
The only nuance that needs to be considered before performing autorefractometry is the passage of light through the cornea. The fact is that the procedure will be useless if clouding of the cornea or other part of the eye is observed. This is not surprising, because the main evaluation criterion is the speed of return of the light beam, which means that the purity of the experiment depends on the initial state of the organ of vision.
Measurement of the speed of return of the light beam allows you to get a clear and reliable result. At the moment, this procedure is recognized as the most accurate of the existing ones. Having figured out such a thing as autorefractometry, what it is and how it is performed, you can safely go to an appointment with an optometrist.