Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Comparison of Agreement and Accuracy using Binocular Wavefront Optometer with Autorefractor and Phoropter
Published on: September 16, 2025
[Accuracy of the autorefractor power refractor in clinical work--a comparative study]
M Schittkowski1, S Hucks-Sievers, H Krentz
1Universitätsaugenklinik Rostock. michael.schittkowski@med.uni-rostock.de
Background:
The aim of this prospective study was to investigate accuracy and efficiency of the autorefractometer PowerRefractor compared to established autorefractometers and retinoscopy as standard method.
Patients And Methods:
150 patients (300 eyes) were examined. Patients were initially (pupil not influenced) analyzed with the Power Refractor (PR (neutral)). After that a examination followed under standardized Cyclopentolat cycloplegia with the Power Refractor (PR (cyclo)), the hand-held Retinomax K-plus (Nikon), the table-top mounted RK-5 (Canon) and retinoscopy.
Results:
Deviation from retinoscopy (percentage of values with more than 1 dpt difference/maximal deviation): Sphere: PR (neutral): 66.3 %/8.5 dpt; PR (cyclo): 48 %/5 dpt; RK-5: 26.7 %/4.75 dpt; Retinomax K-plus: 6.7 %/1.25 dpt; Cylinder: PR (neutral): 12 %/6.25 dpt; PR (cyclo): 21 %/4.75 dpt; RK-5: 1.3 %/2.75 dpt; Retinomax K-plus: 2.3 %/2.5 dpt; spherical equivalent: PR (neutral): 44.7 %/7.1 dpt; PR (cyclo): 35.3 %/5.4 dpt; RK-5: 9 %/4.5 dpt; Retinomax K-plus: 1.3 %/1.,4 dpt; error of entire refraction: PR (neutral): 62.7 %/7.8 dpt; PR (cyclo): 61.3 %/7.3 dpt; RK-5: 24 %/4,5 dpt; Retinomax K-plus: 14.7 %/3.6 dpt
Conclusions:
The best accuracy compared to retinoscopy had Retinomax K-plus followed by RK-5. PowerRefractor had the biggest deviations of the tested devices. PowerRefractor may be a usefull device for screening small children and handicapped people because of the one meter observing distance. For a precise refraction especially in children a retinoscopy under cycloplegic conditions is still necessary.
