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Updated: Jul 4, 2025
A Method to Quantify Visual Information Processing in Children Using Eye Tracking
Published on: July 9, 2016
Computational methodology to support functional vision assessment in premature infants: A viability study
Ricardo Pires Maciel1, Bruna Samantha Marchi2, Henrique da Silva da Silveira3
1Special Interdisciplinary Coordination of Information and Communication Technologies, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, SC, Brazil.
Insights
This study developed a computational method to track iris movements, aiding in assessing vision in premature infants. The new technique shows promise for evaluating visual function in young children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Computer Science
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Premature newborns face elevated risks of impaired visual development and vision loss.
- Early detection of visual issues is crucial for timely intervention in infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a computational method for assessing infant functional vision by tracking iris distances.
- To establish a novel approach for objective visual function evaluation in premature infants.
Main Methods:
- An experimental study involving children up to two years old.
- Image capture protocol with visual stimuli to assess tracking, visual field, and fixation.
- Development of an algorithm using OpenCV and FaceMesh for facial point and iris tracking from video data.
Main Results:
- A dataset of 41 children's visual responses was compiled.
- The developed software successfully tracked iris positions during visual function tests.
- A feasibility study with 8 children found no statistical difference between preterm and term groups in analyzed visual variables.
Conclusions:
- The computational methodology effectively tracks iris distances, offering a tool to assist in evaluating visual function in children.
- This approach provides a potential method for objective assessment of visual development in infants.
Background:
Premature newborns have a higher risk of abnormal visual development and visual impairment.
Objective:
To develop a computational methodology to help assess functional vision in premature infants by tracking iris distances.
Methods:
This experimental study was carried out with children up to two years old. A pattern of image capture with the visual stimulus was proposed to evaluate visual functions of vertical and horizontal visual tracking, visual field, vestibulo-ocular reflex, and fixation. The participants' visual responses were filmed to compose a dataset and develop a detection algorithm using the OpenCV library allied with FaceMesh for the detection and selection of the face, detection of specific facial points and tracking of the iris positions is done. A feasibility study was also conducted from the videos processed by the software.
Results:
Forty-one children of different ages and diagnoses participated in the experimental study, forming a robust dataset. The software resulted in the tracking of iris positions during visual function evaluation stimuli. Furthermore, in the feasibility study, 8 children participated, divided into Pre-term and Term groups. There was no statistical difference in any visual variable analyzed in the comparison between groups.
Conclusion:
The computational methodology developed was able to track the distances traveled by the iris, and thus can be used to help assess visual function in children.
