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Statistical normal values of visual parameters that characterize binocular function in children
R Jiménez1, M A Pérez, J A García
1Departamento de Optica, Facultad de Ciencias, C/Campus Fuentenueva, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain. raimundo@ugr.es
Insights
This study provides normal visual parameter values for children aged 6-12 years, aiding in identifying binocular vision anomalies. Mean reference values were established for most parameters, with vergence facility requiring age-specific ranges.
Area of Science:
- Optometry
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Vision
Background:
- Binocular vision is crucial for visual development in children.
- Establishing normative data for visual parameters is essential for diagnosing pediatric eye conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine age-specific mean values for key binocular vision parameters in a pediatric population.
- To establish reference ranges for evaluating vergence, accommodation, and oculomotor function in children aged 6-12 years.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 1056 children aged 6-12 years using optometric tests for vergence, phorias, amplitudes, facility, near-point of convergence, accommodative convergence/accommodation ratio, and stereoacuity.
- Statistical analysis (ANOVA, Bonferroni) was used to compare parameter values across age groups.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences were found between age groups, but these were not clinically meaningful for most parameters.
- A single mean reference value was established for most parameters across the 6-12 year age range.
- Vergence facility required separate reference values for younger (6-8 years) and older (8-12 years) children.
Conclusions:
- This study provides valuable statistical normal values for binocular vision parameters in children.
- The established means serve as a crucial tool for differentiating children with and without binocular vision anomalies.
Abstract:
A wide range of visual parameters used to evaluate binocular function were evaluated in a paediatric population (1056 subjects aged 6-12 years). Mean values are provided for these ages in optometric tests that directly assess the vergence system, horizontal phorias for near and far vision (measured by a modified version of the Thorington method), negative and positive vergence amplitude for near and far vision (step vergence testing), vergence facility (flippers 8 Delta BI/8 Delta BO), and near-point of convergence (penlight push-up technique and red-lens push-up technique), as well as stimulus accommodative convergence/accommodation ratio and stereoacuity (Randot test) which provide an overall evaluation of the vergence, accommodative and oculomotor systems. A statistical comparison (anova and Bonferroni post hoc test) of these values between ages was performed. The differences, although statistically significant, were not clinically meaningful, and therefore we identified two trends in the behaviour of these parameters. For all parameters, except for vergence facility, we established a single mean reference value for the age range studied. The difference between the means for vergence facility indicated the need to divide the population into two age ranges (6-8 and 8-12 years). This study establishes statistical normal values for these parameters in a paediatric population and their means are a valuable instrument for separating children with binocular anomalies from those with normal binocular vision.
