Autorefractors are a helpful tool when determining the level of refractive error in the eye. Gone are the days when optometrists relied solely on the patient’s input to determine the prescription needed. With an autorefractor, precise measurements are made based on light entering the eye.
What is an autorefractor?
Autorefractors measure how light is affected as it reflects through the eyeball, specifically a cone of infrared light. Quick and painless for the patient, they give an excellent baseline to determine the correct eyeglass or contact lens prescription. They provide an objective reading prior to the subjective tests that follow on a phoropter.
How does an autorefractor work?
An autorefractor works by shining light into the eye and measuring how it bounces off the back of the eye. The patient is shown an image that moves in and out of focus, taking several measurements of these reflections to determine when the eye is properly focused. When these figures are put together, it is clear what level of vision correction is needed for the patient to see at their best.
What are the most important features to consider when looking at an autorefractor?
The most important features to consider when choosing an autorefractor are based entirely on your preferences and needs. The following questions can help narrow down your options:
- Is it automated or manual?
- Does it perform keratometry?
- How accurate is the machine?
- How does the refractive data integrate with my current EMR system?
- What is the speed of the measurement and how well does it increase patient accommodation?
- Will this allow me a more comprehensive exam?
Use the following chart to accurately compare autorefractors/keratometers. Doubling as a keratometer, these machines will also measure the shape of the cornea.
| Specifications | Huvitz HRK-9000A from Coburn | Huvitz HRK-8000A from Coburn | Marco OPD Scan III Aberrometer | Topcon KR-800 | Topcon KR-1 | Nidek | Nidek | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 7in LCD Color, Tilting, Touchscreen | 7in LCD Color, Tilting, Touchscreen | 10.4in LCD Color, Touchscreen | 8.5in Color, Touchscreen | 360° Rotatable Color, Touchscreen | 5.7in LCD Color, Tilting, VGA | 6.5in LCD Color, Tilting | |
| Technology | Wavefront | Wavefront | Wavefront | Rotary Prism Technology | Rotary Prism Technology | Pupil Zone Imaging | Pupil Zone Imaging | |
| Auto Mode/Manual Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Refractive Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Continuous K/R Mode | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | |
| Keratometry Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Peripheral Keratometry | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | |
| Topography | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | |
| Tonometer | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | |
| Contact Lens Fitting Guide | Yes, with White and Blue LED Light | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | |
| Zernike Chart/Refractive Map | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | |
| High/Low Order Abberation | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | |
| Point Spread Function | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | |
| Visual Simulation Graphs | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | |
| Pupil Size | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | |
| Color View Mode | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | |
| Image Capture | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Meibography | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | |
| Tear Film Break Up Time | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | |
| Wi-fi | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | |
| Data Transfer | Wi-fi Network, Hardwire, USB, Serial Cable, Huvitz Phoropter | Hardwire, Serial Cable, USB, Huvitz Phoropter | R232, USB, Eye Care Card System, Tablet Viewer | Lan, Serial Cable, USB, Topcon Phoropter | Lan, Serial Cable, USB, Topcon Phoropter | R232, USB, Eye Care Card System | R232, USB, Eye Care Card System | |
| EMR Compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Our latest offering of the autorefractor/keratometer is the Huvitz HRK-1 Autorefractor/Keratometer, built with unprecedented data accuracy, especially in higher diopter and cylinder measurement. HRK-1 features full compatibility with all EMR systems and includes a three year warranty. Contact us today to learn more!
