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An autorefractor is an automated piece of optical equipment used in optometry and ophthalmology to provide an objective measurement of a person's refractive error. It is a non-invasive device that helps determine the prescription needed for eyeglasses or contact lenses. The device works by projecting a light beam into the patient's eye and then measuring how this light is reflected or focused by the different structures of the eye, such as the cornea and lens.

The autorefractor analyzes the way light rays are bent or refracted as they pass through the eye. By analyzing the reflected light or the focus of an image on the retina, the instrument can calculate the eye's refractive power. This data allows the optometrist or ophthalmologist to estimate the patient's prescription for myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

While autorefractors provide a rapid and objective baseline measurement, they are not a substitute for a full eye examination. The results from an autorefractor are typically used as a starting point for subjective refraction, where the patient's feedback is used to fine-tune the prescription for optimal vision. Factors such as accommodation, eye movement, and individual visual needs can influence the final prescription, which is determined through subjective testing. Autorefractors are valuable tools for efficient screening and initial assessment of refractive errors in patients of all ages.