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image of A Review on Correlation Between Autorefractometer and Cycloplegic Refraction with Subjective Acceptance in Children Aged 6-15 Years

Abstract

Introduction

Autorefraction is fast, yet accommodation can distort pediatric measurements, and cycloplegic refraction minimizes accommodation and therefore could be more suitable for functional eyesight. The correlation between the readings of the autorefractometer, cycloplegic refraction, and the subjective acceptance was systematically reviewed in children aged between 6 and 15 years.

Methods

Following PRISMA, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched (20002024) in search of studies comparing the outcomes of autorefraction, cycloplegic refraction, and/or subjective refraction in children. Risk of bias (QUADAS-2) was assessed using duplicate assessment of eligibility and data extraction.

Results

In all the suitable studies, cycloplegic refraction demonstrated the best correlation with the ultimate subjective acceptance and delivered hyperopia estimates that were more accurate in comparison to non-cycloplegic cycloplegic autorefractive refraction. Non-cycloplegic autorefraction was more likely to over-myopia/ under-hyperopia in younger children. It was in agreement more when autorefraction was done under cycloplegia and in the old subgroups.

Discussion

Since accommodation is dynamic in the pediatric population, non-cycloplegic autorefraction alone is insufficient to misclassify the refractive status. The association of autorefraction with cycloplegia is enhanced in precision and performance, whereas the subjective refinement is fundamental towards comfort and compliance.

Conclusion

Parents of the 6- to 15-year-old age group children rely most on cycloplegic refraction as a source of prescription, with autorefraction being utilised most optimally under cycloplegia or as a screening measure followed by cycloplegic confirmation and age-adjusted additional subjective refinement.

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2026-02-24
2026-03-08
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