[Objective determination of refraction].
Objective determination of refraction is basically necessary for the subjective adjustment of refraction aimed at prescribing glasses. At least as important is the use of objective determination of refraction as a basis of ophthalmological diagnosis because the best-corrected visual acuity forms basic diagnostic information. Three methods of objective determination of refraction are available. Photorefraction has only been used for screening preschool children, as it has no value for the above-mentioned purpose. Refractometry is widely being used for objective determination of refraction, and during the last few years automated refractometry has also become more and more common. This trend is supported by the possibility of delegating automated refractometry to assistant medical personnel. Retinoscopy and automated refractometry yield comparable results. Retinoscopy has some advantages: great flexibility and the fact that retinoscopy forms an image of optical aberrations of the eye, giving the ophthalmologist an idea of the optical quality of the patient's eye. Due to its flexibility retinoscopy can be used for refractioning babies and infants without any problem. The disadvantage of retinoscopy is the impossibility of delegating it to assistant medical personnel and the fact that this method must be learned by the ophthalmologist. In contrast to retinoscopy, automated refractometry can easily be learned and can be delegated to assistant medical personnel. Its drawback is that it is inflexible, making it inconvenient for refractioning babies and infants. If automated refractometry and retinoscopy are used with cycloplegia, precautions are essential to avoid errors caused by optical aberrations of the eye. The measurement must be done in the center of the pupil.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)