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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
An Automated Method for Assessing Visual Acuity in Infants and Toddlers Using an Eye-Tracking System
Published on: March 17, 2023
Assessment and management of children with visual impairment
Taha A Labib1, Mohamed A El Sada, Boshra Mohamed
1Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
Insights
Low vision aids significantly improve visual performance in children with low vision. These aids enhance independence and educational integration for young patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Vision Care
- Rehabilitation Sciences
Background:
- Low vision impacts children's visual performance and daily activities.
- Early intervention and appropriate aids are crucial for managing pediatric low vision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of low vision aids in improving visual performance and response in children diagnosed with low vision.
- To assess the impact of low vision aids on the social and educational integration of children with visual impairments.
Main Methods:
- A prospective clinical case series involving 50 children aged 5-15 years with diagnosed low vision.
- Comprehensive low vision assessments including visual acuity, color vision, and contrast sensitivity.
- Prescription of tailored low vision aids followed by a 1-year follow-up with functional assessments.
Main Results:
- Patients exhibited impaired contrast sensitivity and reduced visual acuities (near and far).
- Low vision aids were prescribed based on individual needs, leading to improved visual function.
- Children aged 5-7 years were integrated into mainstream schools, and older children showed increased independence in reading and writing.
Conclusions:
- Low vision aids are effective in minimizing the impact of low vision in children.
- These aids enhance visual performance, promoting greater social and educational integration for children with low vision.
Purpose:
The aim of this work was to evaluate the role of low vision aids in improving visual performance and response in children with low vision.
Study Design:
Prospective clinical case series.
Materials And Methods:
This study was conducted on 50 patients that met the international criteria for a diagnosis of low vision. Their ages ranged from 5 to 15 years. Assessment of low vision included distance and near visual acuity assessment, color vision and contrast sensitivity function. Low vision aids were prescribed based on initial evaluation and the patient's visual needs. Patients were followed up for 1 year using the tests done at the initial examination and a visual function assessment questionnaire.
Results:
The duration of visual impairment ranged from 1 to 10 years, with mean duration +/- SD being 4.6+/- 2.3299. The near visual acuities ranged from A10 to A20, with mean near acuity +/- SD being A13.632 +/- 3.17171. Far visual acuities ranged from 6/60 (0.06) to 6/24 (0.25), with mean far visual acuity +/- SD being 0.122 +/- 0.1191. All patients had impaired contrast sensitivity function as tested using the vision contrast testing system (VCTS) chart for all spatial frequencies. Distance and near vision aids were prescribed according to the visual acuity and the visual needs of every patient. All patients in the age group 5-7 years could be integrated in mainstream schools. The remaining patients that were already integrated in schools demonstrated greater independency regarding reading books and copying from blackboards.
Conclusion:
Our study confirmed that low vision aids could play an effective role in minimizing the impact of low vision and improving the visual performance of children with low vision, leading to maximizing their social and educational integration.
