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 J(0) and -0.005 ± 0.12 D, p = 0.69 for J(45) ). 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.