The Evaluation of Noncycloplegic and Cycloplegic Autorefraction in Children According to the Age

ABSTRACT

We analysed the difference of values between noncycloplegic and cycloplegic autorefractionand refraction by ophthalmologist in children. We classified the 109 children [218 eyes] who did not have strabismus or amblyopia into five groups according to the age. Their age ranged from 3 to 12. They were examined with Canon RK-3 autorefractor before and after cycloplegia and then, cycloplegic and post-cycloplegic refraction were performed by ophthalmologist. Discrepancies beyond 0.5D in spherical and cylindrical power and 10 degree in cylindrical axis were regarded as significant. The percentages of discrepancy were greater in spherical power between noncycloplegic autorefraction and refraction by ophthalmologist especially in young age groups[p<0.05]. The percentages of discrepancy were greater in spherical and cylindrical power between cycloplegic autorefraction and refraction by ophthalmologist especially in young age groups[p<0.05]. The percentages of discrepancy of cycloplegic autorefraction showed a tendency to be greater than those of noncycloplegic autorefraction in spherical power as compared with refraction by ophthalmologist. In conclusion, the refractive measurements of cycloplegic autorefractor is not close to those of refraction by ophthalmologist in children. The refraction by ophthalmologist must be recommended for correction of refractive errors in children.