Abstract: An autorefractor system in an ultra-compact package is described for rapidly and objectively measuring the refractive state of the eye. The autorefractor detector system, in conjunction with a secondary light source, uses one photodetector such as a charge coupled device (“CCD”) or one photodiode, to intercept a light beam at two distances from a secondary retinal light source created by one relay lens, one pupil emitter conjugate lens and one pupil detector conjugate lens, as well as a field lens. The signals produced by the photodetector are used to determine the full spherocylindrical refraction of the eye. A novel illumination and imaging system provides multiple capabilities to image the eye, control accommodation, and acquire and maintain optical alignment, while obtaining other measurements of the eye.

Abstract: An autorefractor system in an ultra-compact package is described for rapidly and objectively measuring the refractive state of the eye. The autorefractor detector system, in conjunction with a secondary light source, uses one photodetector such as a charge coupled device (“CCD”) or one photodiode, to intercept a light beam at two distances from a secondary retinal light source created by one relay lens, one pupil emitter conjugate lens and one pupil detector conjugate lens. The signals produced by the photodetector are used to determine the full spherocylindrical refraction of the eye. A novel illumination and imaging system provides multiple capabilities to image the eye, control accommodation, and acquire and maintain optical alignment, while obtaining other measurements of the eye.

Abstract: An autorefractor system in an ultra-compact package is described for rapidly and objectively measuring the refractive state of the eye. The autorefractor detector system, in conjunction with a secondary light source, uses one photodetector such as a charge coupled device (“CCD”) or one photodiode, to intercept a light beam at two distances from a secondary retinal light source created by one relay lens, one pupil emitter conjugate lens and one pupil detector conjugate lens. The signals produced by the photodetector are used to determine the full spherocylindrical refraction of the eye. A novel illumination and imaging system provides multiple capabilities to image the eye, control accommodation, and acquire and maintain optical alignment, while obtaining other measurements of the eye.

Abstract: An autorefractor utilizes two light emitters and corresponding optics to project images onto the fundus, with the focus of these images bracketing the gross sphere of an emmetrope. A single detector generates a signal corresponding to each emitter. In an alternate embodiment, a single emitter and two detectors having foci bracketing the gross sphere of an emmetrope generate a signal corresponding to each detector. The light reflected from the fundus is detected and the differential intensities of two signals are used to determine departure in refraction from 0 diopter sphere. Multi-segmented or CCD detectors may be used to measure cylinder/axis, determine length and direction of gaze (in combination with a Purkinje image sensor) and to generate and analyze retinal images.

Abstract: An autorefractor utilizes two light emitters and corresponding optics to project images onto the fundus, with the focus of these images bracketing the gross sphere of an emmetrope. A single detector generates a signal corresponding to each emitter. In an alternate embodiment, a single emitter and two detectors having foci bracketing the gross sphere of an emmetrope generate a signal corresponding to each detector. The light reflected from the fundus is detected and the differential intensities of two signals are used to determine departure in refraction from 0 diopter sphere. Multi-segmented or CCD detectors may be used to measure cylinder/axis, determine length and direction of gaze (in combination with a Purkinje image sensor) and to generate and analyze retinal images.

Abstract: A schematic is disclosed for an optical instrument with a compact light path for incorporation to a hand held instrument for objective refraction of the eye. In particular, and after eye centering occurs, utilizing an eye examiner to patient sight path and an automated indication of centering using conventional Purkinje images, first and second light sources electronically bracket the patient's gross sphere. Thereafter, a light source array is registered on one or the other side of the determined gross sphere prescription and analyzed for astigmatism. There results a rapid objective refraction particularly useful with children whose limited attention span renders the use of more conventional autorefractors not practicable.

Abstract: A visual acuity device measures the visual acuity of a patient's eye by directing a pulsating beam of light on the eye and detecting the resulting reflection. A primary pattern having a pattern formed by transparent and non-transparent portions is positioned in the optical path of the pulsating beam of light. A fixed pair of analyzer or secondary pattern is positioned in the optical path of the beam of light reflected from the patient'eye. One of these analyzer or secondary patterns has a pattern which substantially corresponds to the pattern of the primary fixation pattern and the other has a pattern which is the negative mirror image of the pattern of the first analyzer or secondary pattern. The beam of light reflected from the patient's eye is divided by a beam splitter so that each of the analyzer patterns receives the reflected image of the primary pattern from the patient's eye.