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Updated: Mar 1, 2026
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The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
58.8K
Agreement analysis comparing iPad LCVA and Sloan testing in multiple sclerosis patients
Neda Sattarnezhad1, Samantha Farrow1, Dorlan Kimbrough1
1Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|June 7, 2017
Summary
An iPad-based low-contrast visual acuity (LCVA) test shows good agreement with traditional Sloan chart testing in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This digital approach may improve clinical visual deficit assessments for MS.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Visual symptoms are prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Low-contrast visual acuity (LCVA) testing is more sensitive to visual deficits than high-contrast testing.
- Computerized visual acuity testing offers potential for easier clinical implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the agreement between an iPad-based LCVA test and standard Sloan chart testing.
- To evaluate the reliability of a digital LCVA method in a cohort of MS patients.
Main Methods:
- 38 relapsing-remitting MS patients participated.
- Monocular LCVA was measured using both a retroilluminated Sloan chart and an iPad-based LogMAR chart.
- Agreement was analyzed using Bland-Altman analysis and paired t-tests.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in letter counts was found between the iPad and Sloan tests for either eye.
- High correlation was observed between the two measurement methods (OD r=0.89, OS r=0.78).
- The limits of agreement were -7.9 to +8.5 letters (right eye) and -10.9 to +11.2 letters (left eye).
Conclusions:
- An iPad-based LCVA test demonstrates good agreement with established Sloan chart testing.
- This digital method is a viable alternative for assessing visual acuity in MS patients.
