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Autorefractors are becoming faster, more accurate, easier to operate
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Technology that improves the speed and accuracy of all types of ophthalmic instruments has not overlooked the role of autorefractors. These instruments also reflect a manufacturers' trend of developing instruments that are simple to operate, more portable and - best of all for clinicians - more affordable.
Optometrists interviewed by Primary Care Optometry News agree that today's autorefractors and combination autorefractor/keratometers are faster, more accurate and simple to operate.
"The features that are most helpful include an autoalignment feature, a very high speed printer and highly accurate results," said Cliff Wright, OD, a private practitioner in Berkeley, Calif.
Dr. Wright said the results obtained with today's autorefractors are very accurate and "you can teach an assistant how to use one of these in just a few minutes."
Jeffrey Zwerling, MD, in private solo practice in New York, has two instruments, an autorefractor and a combination autorefractor/keratometer, both of which allow him to easily follow patients postoperatively.
"The things I like best are that they're accurate, easy and I think the fogging is excellent," he said. "The autorefractor is becoming a mainstay in my practice and I'm surprised at how much I use it, which is virtually on every patient."
Trend towards miniaturization
As technology improves, however, both clinicians believe autorefractors that are more affordable, smaller and lighter are on the horizon.
"A machine that's portable, perhaps, is a possibility," said Dr. Wright. "The manufacturers are all moving in this direction, and miniaturization is a big deal, as is lower cost."
Dr. Wright said the trend "to get instruments into the less-than-$5,000 category" is a challenge for manufacturers, but a great thing for doctors in the field. "There's a lot of technology there and we're beginning to see lower-cost instruments on the market."
Form and function would top the wish list of Clare Mann, OD, in practice in Key Largo, Fla., when it comes to autorefractors. Dr. Mann recently acquired a new autorefractor in her office, but noted that technology seems to have won out over patient convenience.
"There's a lot of emphasis on the instrument, but not a lot on the chair. The equipment can be big and overwhelming for children," she said. "Sometimes the chair that is attached to the autorefractor does not adjust high enough for children, and some chairs do not have arm rests, which our elderly patients need."
Dr. Mann must also contend with a problem unique to the Florida Keys, frequent power outages that interfere with exam results. "We're susceptible to power outages; that has happened right before I print the results and I've had to start all over again," she said. "You need a back-up computer system so you don't lose your data in case something goes wrong with the electrical system of the building."
For Your Information:
- Clare Mann, OD, may be contacted at 236 LaPaloma Road, Key Largo, FL 33037; (305) 664-2665; fax: (305) 664-4461. Dr. Mann did not disclose whether or not she has financial interest in the products mentioned in this article, or if she is a paid consultant for any company mentioned.
- Cliff Wright, OD, may be contacted at 15251 East 14th St., Ste. B, San Leandro, CA 94578; (510) 481-2120; fax: (510) 481-2129. Dr. Wright has no direct financial interest in any of the products mentioned in this article, nor is he a paid consultant for any company mentioned.
- Jeffrey Zwerling, MD, may be contacted at 806 Central Avenue, Woodmere, NY 11598; (718) 634-5805 or (516) 295-3456; fax: (718) 634-8125 or (516) 295-3128. Dr. Zwerling has no direct financial interest in any of the products mentioned in this article, nor is he a paid consultant for any company mentioned.