Validity of Different Screening Tests for Detecting Visual Impairment in 3 to 6 Year Old Children Thomas Jyothi1,*, Gogate Parikshit M2, Rajashekar B B3, Kamath Asha4, Jacob George P4 1Assistant Professor-selection grade, Department of Optometry, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, India 2Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College Hospital, Pune 3Professor, Department of Speech and Hearing, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, India 4Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India *Corresponding author-Ms Jyothi Thomas Assistant Professor-selection grade, Department of Optometry, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Karnataka state, India, Pin: 576104, E-mail: jyothioptom@gmail.com, jyothi.thomas@manipal.edu
Online published on 18 July, 2017. Abstract Background Preschool vision screenings (PVS) are recommended for early detection and treatment of childhood visual disorders. At present, the vision screening protocols in childhood varies from country to country and even within countries Objective To determine the sensitivity and specificity of different screening tests used for visual impairment detection in the 3 to 6 year old children Method Ethical Committee approval and parental consent obtained. Each child was assessed with Lea symbol and E charts for vision, stereo acuity measurement with Randot preschool stereo test, photo refraction by Plus optix A09, cover tests, cycloplegic refraction and retinal evaluation. Visual impairment (VI) was defined as presenting visual acuity in better eye <6/12. Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve (ROC) was used for statistical analysis Results A total of 200 eyes (100 participants) were analysed. 52% were males and 48% females.49.5% had visual impairment. The sensitivity and specificity of Lea symbol chart, Randot preschool and Plus optix A09 (spherical and cylindrical values) for detecting visual impairment were 91.8%, 56.2%, 51.8%, 81.8% and specificity were 91.9%, 83.3%, 50%, 68% respectively. Conclusion Lea symbol chart had high sensitivity to pick up visual impairment in 3 to 6 year old children. Top Keywords Preschool, vision screening, visual impairment, amblyopia, refractive error. Top |