Normative pediatric data for three tests of functional vision.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Optometry
• Vision Science

Background:

• Establishing normative data for functional vision tests is crucial for identifying developmental delays in children.
• Previous studies have provided some pediatric vision norms, but data using specific modern testing systems may be limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normative pediatric data for three functional vision tests: Precision Vision Visual Acuity Testing (PVVAT), Pass Test 3 Stereo Test, and Plusoptix S09 Vision Screener (PS09).
• To analyze age-related changes in visual acuity, stereoacuity, and refractive error in preschool-aged children.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, cross-sectional study involving 281 children aged 3 to 5 years.
• Monocular visual acuity was measured using the PVVAT system.
• Stereoacuity was assessed with the Pass Test 3 Stereo Test, and refractive error was measured using the PS09 Vision Screener.

Main Results:

• Visual acuity (logMAR) significantly improved from 0.31 at 3 years to 0.18 at 5 years (p < 2.4 × 10^-15).
• Stereoacuity (arcsec) improved significantly from 104 at 3 years to 81 at 5 years (p = 0.0058).
• Refractive error (spherical and cylindrical) remained relatively stable across the age range.

Conclusions:

• Significant improvements in visual acuity and stereoacuity occur between 3 and 5 years of age.
• Normative data from the PVVAT system were lower than previously reported norms from other tests.
• The PS09 norms were stable and aligned well with recommended referral criteria.