[Streak retinoscopy. Optical principles and practical recommendations].

The optical principles of streak retinoscopy are demonstrated by diagrams and by optical models. The phenomena observed in the proband's pupil are being explained in two ways: In the first explanation, the image on the proband's retina and its movements are considered, or rather their projection into space; this explanation corresponding to the term "retinoscopy" is commonly used in English textbooks. In the second explanation, the limitations of the light bundle by the proband's and the observer's pupils are considered; hence the term skiascopy (sigma kappa iota alpha = shadow), commonly used in the German literature. The practical hints include retinoscopy through the phoropter, suggestions for the examination of children both with and without cycloplegia, the measurement of accommodation, the detection of opacities and irregularities in the optical media, and the analysis of visual field defects caused by optical anomalies, such as refraction scotomas.