Comparison between refractometer and retinoscopy in determining refractive errors in children--false doubt.

Early detection of a refractive error and its correction are extremely important for the prevention of amblyopia (poor vision). The golden standard in the detection of refractive errors is retinoscopy – a method where the pupils are dilated in order to exclude accomodation. This results in a more accurate measurement of a refractive error. Automatic computer refractometer is also in use. The study included 30 patients, 15 boys, 15 girls aged 4–16. The first examination was conducted with refractometer on narrow pupils. Retinoscopy, followed by another examination with refractometer was performed on pupils dilated with mydriatic drops administered 3 times. The results obtained with three methods were compared. They indicate that in narrow pupils the autorefractometer revealed an increased diopter value in nearsightedness (myopia), the »minus overcorrection«, whereas findings obtained with retinoscopy and autorefractometer in mydriasis – cycloplegia, were much more accurate. The results were statistically processed, which confirmed the differences between obtained measurements. These findings are consistent with the results of studies conducted by other authors. Automatic refractometry on narrow pupils has proven to be a method for detection of refractive errors in children. However, the exact value of the refractive error is obtained only in mydriasis – with retinoscopy or an automatic refractometer on dilated pupils.