Refractometers are optical devices used to measure the refractive index of substances. They can measure properties like salinity, concentration, specific gravity, and blood proteins of liquids. Digital refractometers have a range of scales for various applications and are precise, while handheld refractometers allow for convenient and rapid measurement of samples. Refractometers work by measuring how much a substance bends light passing through it, using the shadow created to determine the refractive index and sample properties. They are commonly used in industries like winemaking, food processing, and aquariums.