Utility of retinoscopy to examine peripheral refraction

Purpose: This study explored whether retinoscopy (RET) provides comparable results of relative peripheral refraction (RPR) to open–field autorefractometry (AR) in myopic subjects.Methods: Peripheral refraction was measured in 20 myopic and 20 control adult subjects. Both central and peripheral refraction (20° nasal and temporal eccentricity) were measured using RET and open-field AR. Differences in the median central spherical equivalent (SE), median RPR, and median J45/J180 power vectors between the RET and AR techniques were analyzed. Moreover, Bland – Altman plots were used to assess the agreement between RET and AR methods for RPR measurements in MG. Results: For MG, the median RPR values were positive (hyperopic shift), and no significant differences were observed between the RET and AR techniques with respect to RPR measurement. In addition, we did not observe any significant differences in the RPR values between the nasal and temporal eccentricities for either the RET or AR technique for myopic subjects. There was also a significant correlation and agreement between the RET and AR technique for RPR measurements. With respect to central refraction, the median SE was slightly more positive for the RET than for the AR technique. Inside the CG, we also found significant correlation between the RET and AR technique for RPR measurements, and we observed a myopic shift in peripheral eccentricities. Conclusion: Our results show that retinoscopy may be a useful tool for objective measurements of RPR in myopic subjects and may be used interchangeably with the open-field AR method in everyday clinical practice. (AU)

Comparison of Spot Vision Screener and Tabletop Autorefractometer with Retinoscopy in the Pediatric Population.

Objectives: Determining the accuracy of cycloplegic refractive error measurements made with the Spot Vision Screener (SVS, Welch Allyn Inc, Skaneateles Falls, NY, USA) is important for refractive assessment of uncooperative patients during optometric examinations. This study compared cycloplegic refractive errors measured by SVS and tabletop autorefractometer to cycloplegic retinoscopy in children. Materials and Methods: Eighty-eight eyes of 44 subjects were examined in the study. Refractive error measurements were obtained under cycloplegia using retinoscopy, SVS, and Nidek ARK-530 tabletop autorefractometer (ARK-530, Nidek, Japan). Spherical and cylindrical values, spherical equivalents (SE), and Jackson cross-cylinder values at axes of 0° (J0) and 45° (J45) were recorded. Correlations between methods were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis. Results: The mean age was 7 years (range: 6 months-17 years). Sixteen (36%) of the subjects were female and 28 (64%) were male. For SE there was excellent agreement between retinoscopy and SVS (ICC: 0.924) and between retinoscopy and tabletop autorefractometer (ICC: 0.995). While there was a moderate correlation between retinoscopy and SVS for cylindrical values (ICC: 0.686), excellent correlation was detected between retinoscopy and autorefractometer (ICC: 0.966). J0 and J45 crosscylinder power values were not correlated between retinoscopy and SVS (ICC: 0.472) or retinoscopy and tabletop autorefractometer (ICC: 0.442). Retinoscopy was correlated with both SVS and tabletop autorefractometer for all parameters within ±1.96 standard deviations in Bland-Altman analysis. Conclusion: Cycloplegic retinoscopy is the gold standard for refractive error measurement in the pediatric population. However, it requires time and experienced professionals. This study revealed moderate to good agreement between SVS and retinoscopy, with better agreement in spherical errors than cylindrical errors. Although the SVS is intended for screening programs, it may also be useful in the pediatric eye office to estimate spherical refractive error in uncooperative patients.

Refractive error of canine cataract patients following implantation with three types of intraocular lenses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate refractive state outcomes following phacoemulsification and implantation of 3 different intraocular lenses (IOLs). ANIMALS: A prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted on 43 client-owned dogs undergoing phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. METHODS: Eyes were randomized to receive either an-vision Fo-X (n = 26), an-vision MD8 (18), or I-MED I-LENS (24) IOL. Refraction was measured 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively using streak retinoscopy by 2 examiners masked to each other's results. RESULTS: Postoperative refractive outcomes were highly correlated and not significantly different between 2 examiners for all time points (r = 0.97, 0.98, and 1.00; P = .76, .94, and .98, respectively). One week postoperatively, the refractive errors (mean ± SD) for Fo-X, MD8, and I-LENS were -0.14 ± 2.02 diopters (D), 0.97 ± 2.01 D, and 0.15 ± 2.55 D, respectively. One month postoperatively, the refractive errors were 0.35 ± 2.04 D, 0.06 ± 2.41 D, and -0.82 ± 2.20 D, respectively. Three months postoperatively, the refractive errors were -0.16 ± 2.67 D, 1.60 ± 2.99 D, and 0.59 ± 1.51 D, respectively. There were no significant differences in refractive error outcomes between Fo-X, MD8, and I-LENS at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively (P = .16; F(df=2,66)- = 1.89). However, the Fo-X was the only IOL to yield nearly emmetropic outcomes (±0.50 D) at all 3 time points. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The postoperative refractive states of dogs were not statistically different when comparing 3 types of IOLs at 3 postoperative time points, though the Fo-X was the only IOL to yield nearly emmetropic outcomes at all 3 time points.

Comparison of refractometric measurements obtained with a portable autorefractor and conventional methods of refraction in schoolchildren / Comparação de medidas refratométricas obtidas com autorrefrator portátil e métodos convencionais de refração em escolares

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the performance of a portable autorefractor as refractor and screening tool for refractive errors in schoolchildren. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study. Refractometric measurements of children between 5 and 10 years old were obtained through four methods: 2WIN under non-cycloplegic conditions, and 2WIN, conventional autorefractor, and retinoscopy, under cycloplegic conditions. Correlations and agreement between the methods and accuracy of the portable autorefractor to define whether to prescribe glasses were assessed. Results: The mean age ± standard deviation was 6.87 ± 1.42 years. The portable autorefractor without cycloplegia showed a high correlation with retinoscopy (0.77) but tended to underestimate hyperopia and overestimate high astigmatism. Regarding screening for prescription of glasses in comparison with the reference method "retinoscopy," the sensitivity of the portable autorefractor without cycloplegia was calculated to be 100,00% and the specificity, 34.3%. Conclusion: The portable autorefractor should be used as a screening tool and, when prescribing glasses, the tendency of underestimating hyperopia and overestimating high astigmatism should be kept in mind.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho de um autorrefrator portátil como refrator e ferramenta de triagem para erros de refração em crianças em idade escolar. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal. As medidas refratométricas de crianças de 5 a 10 anos foram obtidas por meio de quatro métodos: 2WIN em condições não cicloplégicas e 2WIN, autorrefrator convencional e retinoscopia, em condições cicloplégicas. Foram avaliadas as correlações e a concordância entre os métodos e a acurácia do autorrefrator portátil para definir a prescrição de óculos. Resultados: A média de idade ± desvio-padrão foi de 6,87 ± 1,42 anos. O autorrefrator portátil sem cicloplegia apresentou alta correlação com a retinoscopia (0,77), mas tendeu a subestimar a hipermetropia e a superestimar o alto astigmatismo. Em relação à triagem para prescrição de óculos em comparação com o método de referência retinoscópio, a sensibilidade do autorrefrator portátil sem cicloplegia foi calculada em 100,00% e a especificidade, em 34,3%. Conclusão: O autorrefrator portátil deve ser usado como ferramenta de triagem e, ao se prescreverem óculos, deve-se ter em mente a tendência de subestimar a hipermetropia e superestimar o alto astigmatismo.

Utility of retinoscopy to examine peripheral refraction.

PURPOSE: This study explored whether retinoscopy (RET) provides comparable results of relative peripheral refraction (RPR) to open-field autorefractometry (AR) in myopic subjects. METHODS: Peripheral refraction was measured in 20 myopic and 20 control adult subjects. Both central and peripheral refraction (20° nasal and temporal eccentricity) were measured using RET and open-field AR. Differences in the median central spherical equivalent (SE), median RPR, and median J45/J180 power vectors between the RET and AR techniques were analyzed. Moreover, Bland - Altman plots were used to assess the agreement between RET and AR methods for RPR measurements in MG. RESULTS: For MG, the median RPR values were positive (hyperopic shift), and no significant differences were observed between the RET and AR techniques with respect to RPR measurement. In addition, we did not observe any significant differences in the RPR values between the nasal and temporal eccentricities for either the RET or AR technique for myopic subjects. There was also a significant correlation and agreement between the RET and AR technique for RPR measurements. With respect to central refraction, the median SE was slightly more positive for the RET than for the AR technique. Inside the CG, we also found significant correlation between the RET and AR technique for RPR measurements, and we observed a myopic shift in peripheral eccentricities. CONCLUSION: Our results show that retinoscopy may be a useful tool for objective measurements of RPR in myopic subjects and may be used interchangeably with the open-field AR method in everyday clinical practice.

Training in retinoscopy: learning curves using a standardized method.

BACKGROUND: Retinoscopy is one of the most effective objective techniques for evaluating refractive status, especially in non-cooperative patients. However, it presents a slow learning curve that often leads to student frustration. With the current Covid-19 pandemic and the need for social isolation, clinical education based on simulation has become more relevant. Therefore, we implemented retinoscopy laboratories and learning protocols to reduce student stress and learning time. METHODS: We conducted a study to evaluate the retinoscopy learning curve using a new training protocol proposal. One hundred trainees were assessed in four stages, corresponding to 08, 12, 16, and 20 hours of training. Six different refractive defects were used trying to reproduce frequent conditions of care. The time spent on the assessment was not considered as additional training time. To analyze the data, we used non-parametric statistics and linear regression to assess the variables associated with training time and performance rate. RESULTS: The mean performance score at 08 hrs was 32.49% (±16.69 SD); at 12 hrs was 59.75% (±18.80 SD); at 16 hrs was 70.83% (±18.53 SD) and at 20 hrs was 84.26% (±13.18 SD). Performance at 12 hrs was significative higher than 08 hrs of training, but did not show significant differences with the performance rate at 16 and 20 hrs. We found a strong positive correlation between performance and training time in retinoscopy (R = 0.9773, CI: 0.2678 - 0.9995 p = 0.0227). CONCLUSION: This study showed that an increasing number of hours of practice positively correlates with performance in retinoscopy. The elaboration of a protocol and standardization of performance per hour also allowed us to estimate that a minimum of 13.4 hrs of practice is required to achieve 60% performance. Using the resulting formula, it is possible to determine the number of hours of retinoscopy practice are necessary to reach a certain level of performance.

A retinoscopic survey of donkeys and goats.

PURPOSE: Assess the refractive states of donkeys and goats. METHODS: Forty-two donkeys and 28 goats were enrolled. The mean ± SD ages were 7.68 ± 7.33 years for donkeys and 4.26 ± 2.33 years for goats. Seven donkeys and one goat were <6 months old. Retinoscopy was performed in alert animals, following cycloplegia in goats but not in donkeys. Normality was determined using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The two primary meridians and two eyes were compared using Pearson's correlation and paired Student's t-tests. The association between refractive states and age was examined using one-way ANOVA in donkeys and a paired Student's t-test in goats. One-sample t-tests were conducted to assess if the refractive error distributions were significantly different from "0". RESULTS: The mean ± SD spherical equivalent (SE) refractive errors of the right and left donkey eyes were -0.80 ± 1.03 D and -0.35 ± 0.95 D, respectively. The majority (86%) of the donkeys had an astigmatic refraction and eight (19%) had anisometropia. The mean SE refractive errors of the right and left goat eyes were -0.15 ± 1.1 D and -0.18 ± 1.2 D, respectively. The majority (54%) of the goat eyes had an astigmatic refraction and five (18%) had anisometropia. The right and left eye SE refractive errors were positively correlated in both species (both p = .9). Age was not correlated with refractive error in both donkeys (p = .09) and goats (p = .6). CONCLUSIONS: Both goats and donkeys are emmetropic.

EEG changes as an indication of central nervous system involvement following cyclopentolate 1% eye drops; a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study in a pediatric population.

To compare EEG-patterns after instillation of cyclopentolate versus placebo eye drops. Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, and observational pilot study is presented. Ophthalmology outpatient clinic Dutch metropolitan hospital. Healthy 6- to 15-year-old volunteers with normal or low BMI requiring a cycloplegic refraction/retinoscopy. Randomized; 1 visit 2 drops cyclopentolate-1% and 1 visit 2 drops placebo (saline-0.9%). Single-blind: conducting researcher. Double blind: subjects, parents, clinical-neurophysiology staff, neurologist, and statistician. A 10-min baseline EEG-recording, drop-application, and follow-up to at least 45 min. Primary outcome: Detection of CNS changes, i.e. EEG-pattern changes, following two drops of cyclopentolate-1%. Secondary outcome: Determination of the extent of these pattern changes. Thirty-six cyclopentolate-1% saline-0.9% EEG registrations were made in 33 subjects; 18 males and 15 females. Three subjects were tested twice (interval 7 months). Nine out of fourteen (64%) of the 11- to 15-year-old children reported impaired memory, attention, alertness, as well as mind wandering following cyclopentolate. Drowsiness and sleep were seen in EEG-recordings of 11 subjects (33%) following cyclopentolate. We observed no drowsiness nor sleep during placebo recordings. The mean time to drowsiness was 23 min. Nine subjects arrived in stage-3 sleep but none arrived in REM-sleep. In subjects without sleep (N=24), significant changes compared to placebo-EEG were present for many leads and parameters. The main findings during awake eye-open recording were as follows: 1) a significant increase of temporal Beta-1,2 and 3-power, and 2) a significant decrease in: a) the parietal and occipital Alpha-2-power, b) the frontal Delta-1-power, c) the frontal total power, and d) the occipital and parietal activation synchrony index. The former finding reflects cyclopentolate uptake in the CNS, and the latter findings provide evidence for CNS suppression. Cyclopentolate-1% eye drops can affect the CNS and may cause altered consciousness, drowsiness, and sleep with concomitant EEG results in both young children and children in puberty. There is evidence that cyclopentolate has the potency to act as a short acting CNS depressant. Nevertheless, however, cyclopentolate-1% can safely be used in children and young adolescents.

Clinical correlation between automated vision screening under cycloplegia and retinoscopy in young children / Correlação clínica entre triagem visual automatizada sob cicloplegia e retinoscopia em crianças pequenas

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the clinical performance of the Spot Vision Screener and establish clinical correlations between automated screening and retinoscopy following induction of cycloplegia in preverbal children. Methods: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, children aged 6-36 months were evaluated using the Spot Vision Screener. A complete ophthalmologic examination, including cycloplegic refraction assessment, was performed, followed by repeat spot vision screening and retinoscopy in all cases to establish correlations regarding hypermetropia, myopia, and astigmatism following induction of induction cycloplegia. Results: The study included 185 children. The sensitivity of the automated screener after cycloplegia was 100% (95%CI: 85.18-100%), and specificity was 87.04% (95%CI: 80.87-91.79%). Positive and negative predictive values were 52.27% (42.36-62.01%) and 100%, respectively. Compared to retinoscopy, the Spot Vision Screener overestimated spherical values by 0.62 D (95%CI: 0.56-0.69) in the right eye and by 0.60 (95%CI: 0.54-0.66) in the left eye and cylindrical values by -0.38 D in the right eye (95%CI: -0.42--0.33) and by -0.39 D in the left eye (95%CI: -0.43--0.34). For overall spherical and cylindrical values, the difference was 0.61 D (95%CI: 0.57-0.65) and -0.38 D (95%CI: -0.41--0.35) in the left and right eyes, respectively. Conclusion: A substantial correlation was found between retinoscopy and objective data captured by the device. This shows that technology can be used in conjunction, reaching a more accurate diagnosis and identifying amblyopia risk factors as early as possible. Photoscreening may make a difference at the population level for early screening and intervention.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho clínico do Spot Vision Screener e estabelecer correlações clínicas entre a triagem automatizada e a retinoscopia após indução de cicloplegia em crianças pré-verbais. Métodos: Neste estudo transversal prospectivo, crianças de 6 a 36 meses foram avaliadas usando o Spot Vision Screener. O exame oftalmológico completo, incluindo refração cicloplégica, foi então realizado, seguido de repetição da triagem automatizada e retinoscopia em todos os casos, a fim de estabelecer correlações quanto à hipermetropia, miopia e astigmatismo após a indução de cicloplegia. Resultados: O estudo incluiu 185 crianças. A sensibilidade do dispositivo de triagem automática após cicloplegia foi de 100% (IC 95%: 85,18-100%) e a especificidade foi de 87,04% (IC 95%: 80,87-91,79%). Os valores preditivos positivos e negativos foram de 52,27% (42,36 - 62,01%) e 100%, respectivamente. Em comparação com a retinoscopia, o Spot Vision Screener superestimou os valores esféricos em 0,62 D (IC 95%: 0,56 - 0,69) no olho direito e em 0,60 (IC 95%: 0,54 - 0,66) no olho esquerdo e os valores cilíndricos em -0,38 D (IC 95%: -0,42 a -0,33) no olho direito e por -0,39 D (IC 95%: -0,43 a -0,34) no olho esquerdo. A diferença para os valores esféricos e cilíndricos de forma geral foi de 0,61 D (IC 95%: 0,57 - 0,65) e -0,38 D (IC 95%: -0,41 a -0,35), respectivamente. Conclusão: Foi encontrada correlação substancial entre a retinoscopia e os dados objetivos captados pelo dispositivo. Isso mostra que a tecnologia pode ser usada em conjunto, contribuindo para um diagnóstico mais preciso e identificando os fatores de risco de ambliopia o mais precocemente possível. A técnica automatizada pode fazer a diferença em nível populacional para triagem e intervenção precoce.

20/20: Where are Orthoptists Going?

The year 2020 has been greatly anticipated by the entire ophthalmic community. This year's Scobee lecture will be a photographic look at our past with the orthoptists and pediatric ophthalmologists we have learned from, taught, and worked with. A sobering snapshot of our present will reveal a world with extreme medical access inequality. This creates a need for an inexpensive screening device for amblyogenic anisometropia. A technique for such a fast and inexpensive screening device will be shown using first retinoscopy; and then compare the effectiveness of the direct Heine streak ophthalmoscope, a common ophthalmic instrument, will be shown to be effective in screening for ≥1 diopter of spherical anisometropia. The challenges of the present hint at an optimistic future for orthoptists, expanding their role as physician extenders to help ease the medical access inequalities in the world. Finally, I introduce the patron saint of the blind and those with vision impairment.

Prevalence, differences, and potential correlation to age, sex, breed, coat color, iris color, and geographic location in naturally occurring refractive errors in the normal equine eye from Germany and North Carolina.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the normal refractive state in horses in NCSU and ECMR and determine the prevalence of naturally occurring refractive errors and their association with breed, age, coat color, iris color, sex, and geographic location. METHODS: Horses from NCSU (January 2009-November 2012) and ECMR (January 2013-September 2016) underwent ophthalmic examination and streak retinoscopy. Location, color, breed, sex, and iris color were recorded. Gross and net refractive values for each meridian (horizontal and vertical), spherical refraction, astigmatism for both eyes, and anisometry were recorded, and statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: There is excellent agreement in refraction between the eyes of the same horse (ICC = 0.89). The median net horizontal (H), vertical (V), and spherical refraction for the total population (n = 690) were H: +0.25 D (min. -6.50 D, max. +2.34 D), V: +0.25 D (min. -7.13 D, max. +2.75D), and spherical: +0.25 D (min. -6.82 D, max. +2.17 D), all with interquartile ranges of -0.25 to 0.25 D. Emmetropia (>-0.50 D and <+0.50 D; >-0.75 D and <+0.75 D) was present in 769/1380 eyes (55.7%) and 926/1380 eyes (67.1%), respectively. Anisometropia was present in 86/690 horses (12.5%). Sex, iris color, and location were significantly associated with refraction values, whereas age, breed, and coat color were not. CONCLUSIONS: Most eyes evaluated are emmetropic, or shifted myopically, with excellent agreement between eyes of the same horse. Sex, iris color, and geographic location appear to impact refraction in horses. SUPPORT: None.

Comparisons of objective and subjective refraction with and without cycloplegia using binocular wavefront optometer with autorefraction and retinoscopy in school-age children.

PURPOSE: To compare school-age children's objective and subjective refraction using a binocular wavefront optometer (BWFOM) with autorefraction and retinoscopy before and after cycloplegia. METHODS: Eighty-six eyes from 86 children (6-15 years old) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. BWFOM objective and subjective refractions were compared with autorefraction and retinoscopy under cycloplegia. BWFOM refraction was evaluated before and after cycloplegia. Measurements were compared using a paired t-test; agreement was assessed using Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Under cycloplegia, the sphere, spherical equivalence, and J45 were significantly more negative on BWFOM objective refraction than autorefraction (- 1.39 ± 2.20 D vs. - 1.28 ± 2.23 D, P = 0.003; - 1.84 ± 2.38 D vs. - 1.72 ± 2.43 D, P = 0.001; - 0.02 ± 0.17 D vs. 0.03 ± 0.21 D, P = 0.004). The subjective sphere of BWFOM was less myopic, and the cylinder and the J45 were more negative than those with retinoscopy (- 1.17 ± 2.09 D vs. - 1.25 ± 2.20 D, P = 0.02; - 0.91 ± 0.92 D vs. - 0.76 ± 0.92 D, P < 0.001; - 0.01 ± 0.15 D vs. 0.03 ± 0.21 D, P = 0.028). For both BWFOM objective and subjective refraction, sphere and spherical equivalence with noncycloplegia were more myopic than those with cycloplegia (objective: - 1.76 ± 2.10 D vs. - 1.39 ± 2.20 D, - 2.21 ± 2.30 D vs. - 1.84 ± 2.38 D, P < 0.001; subjective: - 1.57 ± 1.92 D vs. - 1.17 ± 2.09 D, - 2.01 ± 2.13 D vs. - 1.62 ± 2.27 D, P < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement in spherical equivalence between BWFOM objective refraction and autorefraction (mean difference = 0.12 D, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.52 to 0.76), subjective refraction with retinoscopy (mean difference = - 0.01 D, 95% CI - 0.65 to 0.64), and BWFOM refractions with or without cycloplegia (objective: mean difference = - 0.37 D, 95% CI - 1.31 to 0.57; subjective: mean difference = - 0.39 D, 95% CI - 1.30 to 0.51). The time cost by BWFOM was significantly less than the total time of autorefraction and retinoscopy (264.88 ± 90.67 s vs. 315.89 ± 95.31 s, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: BWFOM is a new device that realizes both objective and subjective refraction. For children's refractive errors, it is more convenient and quicker to obtain the proper prescription at a 0.05-D interval, and it is more accurate than autorefraction and retinoscopy under cycloplegia.

Effects of corneoconjunctival transposition, posterior lamellar keratoplasty and modified deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty on streak retinoscopy in equine cadaver eyes.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of corneoconjunctival transposition (CCT), posterior lamellar keratoplasty (PLK) and modified deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK) on streak retinoscopy in equine cadaver eyes. METHODS: Intraocular pressure (IOP) was maintained at 25 ± 3 mmHg in 35 equine cadaver eyes. Streak retinoscopy was performed prior to (NO VISCO) and following (VISCO) intracameral injection of 1.0 ml of viscoelastic. Following optical coherence tomography (OCT), an axial CCT [n = 11] or PLK [n = 12], or peripheral DLEK [n = 12] was performed. Streak retinoscopy and OCT were repeated postoperatively. RESULTS: Postsurgical net meridional and spherical refraction for CCT [Horizontal (H): 3.4 (95% CI 2.4-4.4) diopters (D), p < .001, Vertical (V): 3.5 (95% CI 2.7-4.4) D, p < .001, Spherical: 3.5 (95% CI 2.6-4.3) D, p < .001] and PLK [H: 3.2 (95% CI 2.2-4.1) D, p < .001, V: 2.8 (95% CI 2.0-3.6) D, p < .001, Spherical: 3.0 (95% CI 2.2-3.8) D, p < .001] were significantly increased from presurgical (VISCO) values. No difference between presurgical (VISCO) and postsurgical values were identified for the DLEK. Postoperative OCT revealed space between anterior and posterior corneal grafts and corneal undulation associated with suture placement. CONCLUSION: Meridional and spherical refraction had a hyperopic shift following CCT and PLK, with a significantly higher value in the vertical meridian for the CCT. Pre- and postoperative refraction was not significantly different for the DLEK. This supports that the DLEK has a lesser effect on immediate postoperative refraction compared with CCT or PLK.

The Gimbalscope - A novel smartphone-assisted retinoscopy technique.

The authors describe a novel technique of performing retinoscopy assisted with a smartphone (gimbalscope). We found this technique of digital retinoscopy to be useful for demonstrating and documenting retinoscopic reflexes and in addition as an easy teaching tool. This technical report explains the assembly of our smartphone-assisted retinoscope and provides examples of the range of normal and abnormal reflexes that can be captured.

Learning retinoscopy: A journey through problem space.

PURPOSE: Retinoscopy is a skill that requires the integration of procedural skill and declarative knowledge. Whilst the actual technique is simple, retinoscopy is a complex skill to acquire and is one that students often find challenging. This study compared the strategies that novices, third-year students and experts use when performing retinoscopy, with the aim of identifying the key stages of learning that may enlighten teaching practice. METHOD: This study employed a protocol-based approach in which the verbal protocols and cognitive strategies of novices, students and experts were recorded and then subjected to 'problem space' analysis. RESULTS: Clear differences existed when the retinoscopy of novices, students and experts was directly compared using a standardised simulated task. Experts were more accurate in performance and used defined strategies to reach the goal. The presence of these strategies significantly predicted the accuracy of the retinoscopy result. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of meta-cognitive strategies and the need for an adequate theoretical foundation in skill acquisition. The underpinning knowledge provides a pedagogic tool that specifies activities which are beneficial to learning a clinical skill.

Refractive changes during off-the-axis retinoscopy in myopia.

PURPOSE: To analyze the refractive shift during off-the-axis retinoscopy under cycloplegic drugs in myopic patients during ocular examination. METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study was carried out among 10 myopic patients having refractive errors of -3.00 D or less. All the subjects underwent cycloplegic refraction by a single examiner at 0°, 10°, and 20°. Descriptive data were analyzed as mean and standard deviation. Paired t-test was used to compare the mean differences between on-axis (0°) and off-axis (10° and 20°) retinoscopy. RESULT: The mean spherical equivalent refraction of 10 myopic patients showed an increase in myopic shift with approximately 7% and 18% for 10° and 20° of eccentricity, respectively. Similarly, the mean spherical equivalent measure on axis (0°) and off axis (10° and 20°) were -2.5495, -2.737, and -3.0265, respectively. The mean spherical equivalent differences between on-axis (0°) and off-axis (10° and 20°) showed statistically significant differences with P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that a greater degree of eccentricity will induce a greater amount of errors in retinoscopy.

Correlation and agreement between the Mohindra and cycloplegic retinoscopy techniques in children.

PURPOSE: As an objective technique to assess refractive status, retinoscopy is particularly useful in children. The Mohindra technique (RM) is an alternative for those patients not good candidates for cycloplegic retinoscopy (RC). The aim of the present research was to compare both techniques and to determine the correlation and agreement of their measurements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 47 boys and girls of ages ranging from 3 to 11 years old were included in the study. Cycloplegic (cyclopentolate 1%) and Mohindra retinoscopy were conducted in both eyes, and refraction was also assessed with an autorefractometre (AR). The results from the three techniques were compared and a correction factor between RM and RC was calculated. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between RM and RC (median of -0.42 D; p < 0.001) and between RM and AR (median of -0.42 D; p = 0.008), but not between RC and AR (median of 0.00 D; p = 0.758). A strong correlation was found between RM and RC (rho = 0.846; p < 0.001), although the Bland-Altman test revealed a larger difference between these techniques in patients with larger hyperopic refractive errors, with a correction factor of RC = 1.15 RM + 0.42. CONCLUSIONS: The Mohindra technique may be considered a valid alternative to cycloplegic retinoscopy in patients of young age, with a good correlation between both techniques, albeit less agreement in patients with high hyperopic refractions.

Correlación y concordancia entre la técnica de retinoscopia de Mohindra y la retinoscopia con ciclopléjico en la infancia / Correlation and agreement between the Mohindra and cycloplegic retinoscopy techniques in children

Objetivo: La retinoscopia, como técnica objetiva de evaluación del estado refractivo, es especialmente útil en la edad infantil. La técnica de Mohindra (RM) es una alternativa para aquellos pacientes en los que no es viable la retinoscopia mediante ciclopléjico (RC). En el presente estudio se pretende comparar ambas técnicas para determinar su correlación y concordancia.Materiales y métodos: Se seleccionaron a 47 niños y niñas con edades comprendidas entre los 3 y 11 años. Se determinó para ambos ojos la refracción con RM y RC (ciclopentolato 1%), así como con autorefractómetro (AR). Se compararon los resultados de las tres técnicas y se calculó el factor de corrección correspondiente para equiparar RM con RC.Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre RM y RC (mediana de -0,42 D; p<0,001) y entre RM y AR (mediana de -0,42 D; p=0,008), pero no entre RC y AR (mediana de 0,00 D; p=0,758). La correlación entre RM y RC fue excelente (rho=0,846; p<0,001) pero el test de Bland-Altman evidenció una mayor discrepancia entre técnicas a medida que aumentaba la refracción hipermetrópica, con un factor de corrección de RC=1,15 RM + 0,42. Conclusiones: La técnica de Mohindra se puede considerar como una alternativa válida a la retinoscopía mediante ciclopléjico en pacientes en edad escolar y preescolar, con una buena correlación entre ambas técnicas, pero con menor concordancia en hipermetropías elevadas.

Purpose: As an objective technique to assess refractive status, retinoscopy is particularly useful in children. The Mohindra technique (RM) is an alternative for those patients not good candidates for cycloplegic retinoscopy (RC). The aim of the present research was to compare both techniques and to determine the correlation and agreement of their measurements.Material and Methods: A total of 47 boys and girls of ages ranging from 3 to 11 years old were included in the study. Cycloplegic (cyclopentolate 1%) and Mohindra retinoscopy were conducted in both eyes, and refraction was also assessed with an autorefractometre (AR). The results from the three techniques were compared and a correction factor between RM and RC was calculated.Results: Statistically significant differences were found between RM and RC (median of -0.42 D; p<0.001) and between RM and AR (median of -0.42 D; p=0.008), but not between RC and AR (median of 0.00 D; p=0.758). A strong correlation was found between RM and RC (rho=0.846; p<0.001), although the Bland-Altman test revealed a larger difference between these techniques in patients with larger hyperopic refractive errors, with a correction factor of RC=1.15 RM + 0.42.Conclusions: The Mohindra technique may be considered a valid alternative to cycloplegic retinoscopy in patients of young age, with a good correlation between both techniques, albeit less agreement in patients with high hyperopic refractions.

A Novel Use of Retinoscopy for the Evaluation of Binocular Balance of Spherical Refractive Errors.

PURPOSE: Binocular balancing is an important component of refractive correction to avoid asthenopic complaints. Polaroid filters are commonly used for binocular balancing; they rely on subjective examination and cannot represent daily visual activities. We describe a new examination approach to evaluate binocular balance with retinoscopy, which is an objective examination method and does not require strict patient cooperation. METHODS: Healthy young individuals with refractive errors (under the age of 40) were included in this study. Each patient was examined by three different ophthalmologists in the same room at 20-min intervals. The first ophthalmologist performed refractive examination separately for each eye, the second physician used binocular balance tests with polaroid glasses, and the third physician practiced binocular balance test with retinoscopy. After completion of clinical examinations, autorefractometry was repeated with cycloplegia. The difference between the spherical equivalents (SE) of the eyes was calculated for each method and compared with the SE difference obtained by cycloplegic autorefractometry. The SPSS 21.0 software was used for the statistical tests. RESULTS: The study included 30 patients (16 males, 14 females) and the mean age of the patients was 21 ± 8.5 years (range 10-37 years). There was no significant difference between the four groups for the interocular difference of SE (Greenhouse-Geisser F = 1.390, p = 0.257). The highest correlation was found between the retinoscopic binocular balance technique and cycloplegic autorefractometry (r = 0.878, p < 0.001). In addition, the intraclass correlation coefficient and the 95% limits of agreement supported strong agreement. CONCLUSION: Currently used binocular examination tests are subjective and some patients give inconsistent answers impairing the reliability of the outcome. These tests cannot be performed on patients with limited ability to cooperate. This study demonstrates that the use of retinoscopy in the evaluation of binocular balance delivers reliable results and is a low-cost, practical approach to address the above-mentioned problems.

Comparison of the results of four different refraction measurement devices in children with retinoscopy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of 4 different autorefractometer devices with the results of retinoscopy in children. Methods: A total of 120 eyes of 60 patients aged between 6 and 18, who applied to Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University unit of Pediatric Ophthalmology, were included in the study. Refraction with Plusoptix A09 (photoscreener) without cycloplegia was the first to be measured. Spherical and cylindrical values were recorded. Then, half an hour after the patients were instilled 2 drops of cyclopentolate with an interval of 5 minutes, dilated retinoscopy was performed, and spherical and cylindrical values were recorded. Autorefractometer measurements with cycloplegia were performed with Canon RK-F1 autorefractometer, Nidek Tonoref III and Retinomax K-Plus 3, and spherical and cylindrical values were recorded. Results: The mean age of the patients was 11.02 ± 2.1. The mean spherical equivalents were Canon RKF1 autorefractometer +0.045 ± 2.49, Nidek TonoRef III +0.023 ± 2.48, Retinomax K-Plus 3 +0.078 ± 1.42, Plusoptix A09 -0.119 ± 2.20, retinoscopy +0.124 ± 2.65. Moreover, the mean cylindrical values were Canon RK-F1 autorefractometer -0.893 ± 0.69, Nidek TonoRef III -0.927 ± 0.72, Retinomax K-Plus 3 -0.888 ± 0.73, Plusoptix A09 -0.883 ± 0.719, retinoscopy -0.923 ± 0.71. The statistical values compared with retinoscopy; Canon RKF1 spherical equivalent (p=0.376), cylindrical (p=0.515), Nidek TonoRef III spherical equivalent (p=0.485), cylindrical (p=0.198), Retinomax K-Plus 3 spherical equivalent (p=0.141), cylindrical (p=0.058), Plusoptix A09 spherical equivalent (p=0.085) and cylindrical (p=0.086) values were not different. Conclusions: In spherical and cylindrical refractive error detection, all 4 devices showed reasonable and consistent results compared to retinoscopy.