Photorefraction: A useful tool to detect refraction errors

A simple photorefraction method using simultaneous photography of corneal and fundus reflexes have been used to screen 239 children aged 10 to 15 months for significant refraction errors. The photorefraction results were calibrated to those of cycloplegic retinoscopy. A good agreement was found between the 2 sets of values. The frequency distribution of refraction errors were similar to those presented by Ingram (1979). The aim to detect hyperopia greater than or equal to +2 or myopia greater than or equal to -4 diopters together with significant anisometropia or astigmatism was fulfilled with high reliability. Low degrees of hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism might be missed. Photorefraction therefore is considered to be a reliable, simple and cheap tool with high sensitivity and specificity in screening small children for significant refraction errors.