IR Photorefraction and IR Photokeratometry – Measuring Refractive State and Corneal Curvature in Animals and Humans

Prof. Frank Schaeffel as he discusses the optical principles, image processing algorithms, calibration, and potential pitfalls within IR photorefraction and IR photokeratometry.

Commercial autorefractors and keratometers have enabled accurate measurement of refractive states and corneal power maps in humans for decades. However, making such measurements in small animal eyes  – such as mice, rats, guinea pigs, and even chickens – was a persistent problem until Prof. Frank Schaeffel developed and first published his work on Eccentric Infrared (IR) Photorefraction in 1986 (Vision Research). 

With the technique being continuously improved through the 90’s, a significant milestone was achieved in 2002 when it was successfully applied to mouse eyes for the first time.  Today, IR Photorefraction remains the only available refraction technique for small animal research and has been successfully adopted by many labs around the world. 

During this webinar, Prof. Schaeffel provides a full history and technical overview of IR Photorefraction and Photokeratometry.  He highlights fundamental optical principles of both techniques, reviews important image processing algorithms, details equipment calibration, and discusses potential pitfalls that all labs’ interested in these techniques will want to know about and avoid.  The webinar includes a Q&A with Prof. Schaeffel, providing an excellent opportunity to receive expert advice on the successful implementation and application of these techniques.