Comparing the effect of conventional method of retinoscopic refraction with computerized automated refraction in various refractive error patients

Introduction: Refractive error is the most common visual impairment seen worldwide. This is one of the main cause for which patients come to ophthalmologist. This can occur at any age of the patient. Automated refractometer has become popularised method for doing refraction because of the busy practise of ophthalmologist and due to heavy patients load in screening camps. It is an easy method to learn, to operate and also time saving procedure. Patients are also very comfortable with it because of this easy procedure done in short time. But Streak retinoscopy which is considered as a Gold standard technique for refraction, has some difficulties like time consuming, dilatation of pupil and discomfort to the patient. Aim: Comparing the effect of the conventional method of refraction with computerized automated refraction in various refractive error patients. Materials and methods: It was an observational, cross-sectional study done in a 50 refractive error patients who attend Department of Ophthalmology OPD. Results: According to the statistical analysis done to compare the refraction values of the auto refractometer and streak retinoscopy with the patient's acceptance value, results came as streak retinoscopy values had no significant difference with the patient's acceptance value. This study also shows males were more affected by refractive errors than females and the mean age of affection in myopia was 19- 20 years and hypermetropia is 33-36 years. Conclusion: Since reteak retinoscopy values are accepted well by the patients, it is the better method for refrection than auto refractometer.