Nidek ARK-1e – Autorefractor Keratometer – Used

Description

The NIDEK ARK-1e is an advanced integrated autorefractor-keratometer device designed for high-efficiency eye-care practices and optical clinics. Combining objective refractive measurement with corneal curvature assessment in one compact unit, the ARK-1e streamlines patient workflow and delivers reliable data for refraction, keratometry, and preliminary optical screening.

Key technological features include large-pupil zone imaging (up to approx. 6 mm diameter) for more comprehensive refractive evaluation, a super-luminescent diode (SLD) light source paired with a highly sensitive CCD for enhanced measurement even in the presence of lens opacities or dense cataracts, and 3-D auto-tracking for automatic alignment and shot-taking — ensuring fast, reproducible results with minimal operator intervention.

In addition, the system evaluates pupil diameter, corneal size, and provides keratometry via a mire-ring technique (to reduce eyelid artifact), and supports interfaces such as USB, LAN, RS-232C, and optional “Eye Care Card” data transfer. nidek.com.br+1 The tiltable colour LCD and built-in thermal printer (with auto-cutter) further enhance efficiency in busy practices.

Overall, the ARK-1e offers a powerful combination of objective refraction, keratometry, auto alignment/tracking, and connectivity — making it a fitting choice for optometry and ophthalmology clinics seeking a dual-modality device with excellent usability and performance.

Accurate Refraction Measurement

Large pupil zone imaging method

The large pupil zone imaging method enables the measurement of 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 a vision in dim light.

Super luminescent diode and highly sensitive CCD

The incorporation of a superluminescent diode (SLD) provides a sharper, 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 a highly sensitive CCD, significantly improves measurement capability even in dense cataractous eyes.

Optimal fogging to minimize accommodation (available for the ARK-1s/1a and AR-1s/1a)

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.

Easy VA Measurement with Glare Test

VA measurement with built-in charts and lenses (available for the ARK-1s and AR-1s)

The ARK-1s and AR-1s provide visual acuity (VA) measurement. This unique function enables a quick check of the patient’s refractive error by comparing subjective and objective measurements. Even corrected near visual acuity is measurable with easy operability to determine the need for a progressive lens.

Recall function for instant vision comparisons (available for the ARK-1s/1a/1 and AR-1s/1a) The recall function provides the instant comparison between vision corrected with AR data and uncorrected vision or vision corrected with the data of patient’s own glasses. For the patient, this function demonstrates the difference in vision and the necessity for more appropriate vision correction.
	*The data of patient’s own glasses has to be imported from a NIDEK lensmeter

Contrast and glare test (available for the ARK-1s and AR-1s) After a low contrast VA chart is presented, a glare source is illuminated beside the chart and the glare VA can be measured. With this test the effect of glare and halo to visual performance can be measured. This utility can be used for cataract and refractive surgery patients.

Practical and User-friendly Features

Specifications