Wave-front analysis as screening technique for amblyogenic ametropia with and without cycloplegia

INTRODUCTION For many years, attempts have been made to find an easy, efficient and inexpensive method to screen children for amblyogenic ametropia. Wave-front analysis is a new way to determine the refractive state of the eye from a distance. This technique could be a useful tool for infant screening. PURPOSE The purpose of the study was the evaluation of the efficacy of a commercially available wave-front analyzing autorefractometer (SureSight, software version 2.0, Welch Allyn, Skaneateles Falls, NY 13153,U.S.A.) in detecting amblyogenic ametropia in patients with and without cycloplegia. METHODS 256 eyes (-28.25D to +7.88D spherical equivalent) of 128 patients (1–81 years) were examined with the wave-front autorefractometer under cycloplegia. Prior to this investigation, 108 eyes (-21.38D to +5.75D) of 54 of these patients (1–76 years) were refracted without cycloplegia. The readings of the wave-front autorefractometer were compared with the results of retinoscopy under cycloplegia. RESULTS Without cy...