The effect of cycloplegia on the determination of refractive error by the Ophthalmetron

The Ophthalmetron was used to measure the refractive error of 10 male optometry students. Although there was a high incidence of invalid readings, more repeatable results were obtained with use of a cycloplegic. Measurements made under cycloplegia revealed 0.41 D more hyperopia but no differences in astigmatism as compared to the noncycloplegic refraction. Instrument myopia was shown not to be a factor.