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Preliminary Evaluation of a Smartphone App for Refractive Error Measurement
Gang Luo1,2, Chen-Yuan Lee1, Prerana Shivshanker1
1Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA.
Translational Vision Science & Technology
|June 15, 2022
Summary
A smartphone app shows potential for myopia screening, correlating well with clinical measurements. Repeatability is comparable to some autorefractors, suggesting feasibility for mass vision screening.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Technology
- Public Health
Background:
- Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing global health concern.
- Accurate and accessible screening methods are crucial for early detection and management.
- Smartphone applications offer a potential avenue for convenient vision testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of a smartphone application for myopia screening.
- To evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of the app's refractive error estimation.
Main Methods:
- 113 myopic subjects with mild astigmatism were enrolled across 5 sites.
- The app measured refractive error by determining the far point distance.
- App measurements were compared against noncycloplegic subjective refraction or autorefractor data.
Main Results:
- A high correlation (Pearson R = 0.91) was observed between app and clinical measurements.
- The app demonstrated a mean absolute deviation of 0.65 D and repeatability of ±0.61 D.
- Age-related biases were noted, with underestimation in young adults and overestimation in children.
Conclusions:
- The smartphone app's measurements are consistent with those of vision care professionals.
- The app's repeatability is comparable to some autorefractor devices.
- Age-related factors may influence app measurements, but it shows potential as a mass myopia screening tool.
