NIDEK ARK-F/AR-F Auto Refractometer

Remarkably easy workflow through fully-automatic measurement

Simply by placing the chin on the chinrest, the NIDEK eye detection camera automatically detects the position of the eyes and measurement starts without pressing any button. Gentle voice guidance facilitates smooth measurement for any operator.

Workflow Steps:

• Step 1: "Measurement starting. Please keep your hands away from the device."
  A patient places their chin on the chinrest. The device automatically detects the position of the eyes and eye level.
• Step 2: "Please open your eyes wide."
  The measuring unit automatically moves to the measuring position, with the screen displaying the patient's eye image, and measurement starts. The device then moves to the opposite eye and repeats the procedure.
• Step 3: "Measurement finished."
  When measured values for the left and right eyes are obtained, measurement ends.

No direct operation required.

Selectable and intuitive manual operation

Manual measurement using the large, durable 7.0-inch touch screen is also possible with the ARK-F/AR-F. Alignment is easily achieved by simply long-pressing a position on the screen and an icon. Clearly identifiable icons assure intuitive operation. Moreover, a newly designed hand-held control and tablet control software are available as options that increase operator freedom and productivity.

Optional accessories

• Hand-held control (wired/wireless): Ergonomically designed palm-fit controller offers an all-new handling experience. Simple and well-organized button layout provides excellent single-handed operation. It can be stored in a dedicated holder which can be attached to either side of the ARK-F/AR-F. (A wireless type of hand-held control is shown.)
• Tablet control software: When using a tablet as a controller, the screen of the ARK-F/AR-F is duplicated on the tablet screen. It is even possible to measure with the same accuracy and comfort from a remote location.

Large pupil zone imaging method

The large pupil zone imaging method enables the measurement of a wider area refraction up to 6 mm diameter and can indicate the difference between the wide area refraction and central area refraction of up to 3.5 mm diameter. These pupil diameters are measured simultaneously. The difference of the measurement allows assessment of the effect of pupil size, such as vision in dim light.

Diagram Description: Visual representation showing a ring image with two concentric circles, labeled "ø1 to 3.5 mm area" and "ø1 to 6 mm area".

Super luminescent diode and highly sensitive CCD

Incorporation of the super luminescent diode (SLD) provides a sharper and clearer image compared to a conventional LED. The highly sensitive CCD detects the ring image even if the fundus reflection is weak. The system, which combines the SLD and highly sensitive CCD, significantly improves measurement capability even in dense cataractous eyes.

Diagram Description: A schematic illustrates the optical path: SLD emits light, which passes through a half mirror, a ring lens, and a reflective mirror to illuminate the eye. The reflected light returns through the reflective mirror, ring lens, and half mirror to a highly sensitive CCD. This process captures a ring image. Text indicates that SLD provides clearer images than LED, especially in cataractous eyes, as shown by comparative images.

Optimal fogging to minimize accommodation

Fogging is performed after correcting the patient's astigmatism with built-in cylinder lenses. This allows the patient to view the target clearly and minimizes the interference with accommodation, even in high astigmatism.

Keratometry measurement with mire ring (available for the ARK-F)

The mire ring is used to measure keratometry. It reduces eyelid artifacts.

Diagram Description: Visuals show keratometry measurement. One diagram depicts measurement with four points, while another shows measurement with a mire ring, highlighting reduced eyelid artifacts.

NIDEK eye detection camera (NEDC)

When the device recognizes that the patient's chin is correctly positioned on the chinrest, the new NIDEK eye detection camera (NEDC) automatically starts eye detection. Since NEDC holds eye position, faster and more precise alignment is possible without wasted adjustment time.

Large tilt and swivel monitor

Since the screen can be continuously tilted and swiveled, the ARK-F/AR-F can be placed anywhere in an examination area; installation against a wall or in a corner of the room is now possible. Of course, the conventional face-to-face position is still possible, but more comfortable than ever. Freedom of operator mobility even enables the support of a patient's eyelids during measurement. Flexible layout and space-saving design contribute to improved productivity and efficiency.

Patient-friendly accommodation measurement

Objective measurement of accommodation is performed with the patient focusing on a target that moves from distant to near. An intelligent algorithm detects the patient's response and reduces the measurement time in cases with a slow or weak accommodative response. The accommodation measurement helps to assess pseudomyopia, eyestrain, and accommodative palsy.

Diagram Description: Visuals show examples of eye conditions related to accommodation: "Emmetropia" and "Presbyopia", with associated numerical values.

Retroillumination image and NIDEK cataract indices

The retroillumination image enables the observation of opacity of the optical media of the eye. NIDEK cataract indices indicate the severity of the opacity and help to assess the progression of pathology.

Diagram Description: Two images of eyes are shown: "Eye with dense opacity" and "Eye with light opacity". Text explains the NIDEK cataract indices (COI.H, COI.A, POI) and their measurements (Opacity size, Opacity proportion within 3mm center, Opacity proportion within entire periphery). A note clarifies that indices are for reference only and lists conditions that might affect accuracy.

Recall function for instant vision comparisons

The recall function provides instant comparison between vision corrected with AR data and uncorrected vision, or vision corrected with the data of the patient's own glasses. For the patient, this function demonstrates the difference in vision and the necessity for more appropriate vision correction.

Diagram Description: A visual shows comparison options: "Uncorrected distance vision", "Distance vision corrected with AR data", "Distance vision corrected with LM data*", "Uncorrected near vision", "Near vision corrected with AR data", "Near vision corrected with LM data*". An asterisk indicates that patient's own glasses data must be imported from a NIDEK lensmeter.

Quick shot mode

Quick shot mode may be beneficial for children or others who have difficulty holding their eyes steady during an examination. (*Quick shot mode is for reference.)

CS, PS, and PD measurement

CS (corneal size), PS (pupil size), and PD (pupillary distance) values can be measured manually based on eye images.

Summary display, printout and transfer of measured values

Various measured values can be displayed simultaneously on the summary screen, allowing for easy and quick confirmation and printing. Measured data can be exported to the NIDEK refractor or a connected computer.

Diagram Description: A printout example is shown, displaying patient data and measurement results.

High speed printer with easy loading & auto cutter

The printer paper can be changed easily. The data sheet is cut by an auto cutter for quick and easy detachment.

Selectable model types

With various models available, the ARK-F/AR-F will satisfy every user's needs.

Note: Tablet control is only available for Type A. Each model is factory set and cannot be modified later.

Network configuration with high flexibility

Quick and easy wireless data transfer

NIDEK refraction products allow for quick and easy wireless data transfer* using the Eye Care card, WLAN, or infrared communication. This is helpful for making a simple refraction system without complicated wired connection.

Diagram Description: Example configurations are shown: "NIDEK Intelligent Refractor" connected wirelessly, or "NIDEK Auto Lensmeter" connected wirelessly. The text notes that specifications for wireless data transfer differ by product and country, as do the requirements for the transfer method.