Büchner T., Schnorbus U., Stupp T., Busse H.

Universitätsklinikum Münster, Augenklinik, Domagkstraße 15, D-48149 Münster

Background: Objective measurement of refraction with fixed autorefractors can be difficult or even impossible, when dealing with uncooperative persons. Non-contact examination from a short distance with new instruments was introduced to improve the compliance. Screening preschool children for refractive errors is an important criteria in the prevention of amblyopia.
Subjects and methods: 164 children aged 3,5 to 4,5 years were examined for refractive errors in the kindergarten using the hand-held autorefractor "SureSight®" without cycloplegia. Working distance was 35 cm. Refraction data were compared with the visual acuity. In case of pathologic findings they were compared wirth retinoscopy (cycloplegia) results.
Results: Measurements with the "SureSight®" autorefractor could be performed easily. Due to theexamination technique adequate for childhood even shy children reluctant to other methods could be screened easily. Thus, refraction data of 161 (98%) children could be obtained.
Conclusion: The "SureSight®" autorefractor presents major advantages at kindergarten age compared with fixed instruments. This quick and convenient procedure can be applied to timid and shy children. We do not recommend the use of these data for the prescription of spectables due to the deviation from retinoscopic measurements in many cases. It is, however, a useful technique for screening for refractive errors in preschool children.

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