Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026
An Automated Method for Assessing Visual Acuity in Infants and Toddlers Using an Eye-Tracking System
Published on: March 17, 2023
[A method to evaluate visual ability in infants]
Heloisa G R Gardon Gagliardo1, Vanda M Gimenes Gonçalves, Maria Cecília Marconi Pinheiro Lima
1Centro de Estudos e Pesquisas em Reabilitação Prof. Dr. Gabriel Porto, Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de CampinasCampinas, SP, Brasil. heloisa@fcm.unicamp.br
Insights
This study presents a new method for assessing infant visual functions in the first three months of life. The pilot study demonstrated the method
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Neuroscience
Context:
- Assessing visual development in early infancy is crucial for identifying potential developmental delays.
- Existing methods may not be suitable for very young infants.
- Standardized tools are needed for reliable infant visual function evaluation.
Purpose:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel method for assessing visual functions in infants aged 1 to 3 months.
- To adapt and utilize the Guide for the Assessment of Visual Ability in Infants (Gagliardo, 1997).
- To establish age-appropriate visual milestones for early detection of functional alterations.
Summary:
- A pilot study involving 33 infants (1-3 months old) assessed visual functions using a ring-and-string instrument.
- Key observations included visual fixation (93.9%), eye contact (90.9%), and horizontal tracking (72.7%) in the first month.
- By the third month, observations included inspecting own hands (42.4%) and increased arm movements (36.4%).
Impact:
- This method facilitates the age-appropriate evaluation of infant visual functions.
- Early identification of visual function alterations enables prompt referral to medical services for diagnosis and intervention.
- Contributes to the early detection and management of visual impairments in infants.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to introduce a method to evaluate visual functions in infants in the first three months of life. An adaptation of the Guide for the Assessment of Visual Ability in Infants (Gagliardo, 1997) was used. The instrument was a ring with string. It was implemented a pilot study with 33 infants, selected according to the following criteria: neonates well enough to go home within two days of birth; 1 to 3 months of chronological age; monthly evaluation with no absence; subjects living in Campinas/SP metropolitan area. In the first month we observed: visual fixation (93,9%); eye contact (90,9%); horizontal tracking (72,7%); inspects surroundings (97,0%). In the third month, we observed: inspects own hands (42,4%) and increased movements of arms (36,4%). This method allowed the evaluation of visual functions in infants, according to the chronological age. Alterations in this function will facilitate immediate referral to medical services for diagnoses.
