Clinical evaluation of the L80 autorefractometer

Abstract

Background:  A clinical evaluation of the L80 wave+ autorefractometer (Visionix Luneau, Chartres, France) was performed to evaluate its validity and repeatability compared with non‐cycloplegic subjective refraction. The L80 wave+ autorefractometer is a new instrument based on the Hartmann‐Shack principle that has a specific autorefraction function using the wavefront device and can also measure keratometry, topography of the cornea and higher‐order aberrations.

Methods:  Refractive error measurements were obtained from 100 eyes of 50 subjects (age, 25 ± 2.71-years) subjectively by one masked practitioner and objectively with the L80 wave+ autorefractometer (with a 3.0-mm pupil) by a second practitioner. Intra‐test and inter‐test (within a week after the initial objective measures) variability was assessed on 28 new subjects (56 eyes).

Results:  The results of the objective and subjective measurements of refractive error were very similar (mean difference 0.03 ± 0.47-D, p = 0.49 for sphere; 0.05 ± 0.27-D, p = 0.06 for cylinder; 0.06 ± 0.44-D, p = 0.20 for spherical equivalent; 0.01 ± 0.13-D, p = 0.37 for J₀ and ‐0.005 ± 0.12-D, p = 0.69 for J₄₅). High intra‐test and inter‐test repeatability were demonstrated for all parameters measured and found comparable with other clinical autorefractors.

Conclusion:  The L80 wave+ autorefractometer represents a reliable and valid objective refractive tool for general optometric practice.

Key words:

• autorefractor
• repeatability
• subjective refraction
• validity

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank Dr Gary Roth who performed the final stage of the subjective refraction of each subject, Visionix Luneau for the loan of the instrument and Dr Ian Melnick of Visionix for technical support.