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Updated: Jun 17, 2025
Author Spotlight: An Automated Method for Assessing Visual Acuity in Infants and Toddlers Using an Eye-Tracking System
Published on: March 17, 2023
Development of Automated Visual Acuity Measurement Using a Calibration-Free Eye-Tracking System
Noriaki Murata1, Haruo Toda1, Hokuto Ubukata1
1Department of Orthoptics and Visual Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, JPN.
Insights
This study developed an automated infant vision screening using eye-tracking. The system shows promise for objective and convenient monocular vision assessment in young children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Infant vision assessment traditionally uses grating acuity, which can lack objectivity and convenience.
- Developing objective and user-friendly vision screening tools for infants is crucial for early detection of visual impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a reliable, automated monocular vision screening system for infants using a calibration-free eye-tracking technology.
- To assess the feasibility of using eye-tracking for precise gaze analysis in preverbal children.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involved 118 participants undergoing grating visual acuity testing with an eye-tracking system.
- Correlations between grating acuity, uncorrected visual acuity, and refractive error were analyzed using various fixation duration percentage thresholds.
Main Results:
- Strong correlations were observed between grating acuity and refractive error at 69% and 88% thresholds.
- Similar correlations were found between grating acuity and uncorrected visual acuity at 70% and 89% thresholds.
- A potential for overestimation of acuity was noted around the 70% threshold, particularly in cases of low visual acuity or high refractive error.
Conclusions:
- A calibration-free eye-tracking system is feasible for automated monocular vision screening in infants.
- An optimal screening threshold of 90% fixation duration percentage is suggested for reliable results.
Abstract:
Purpose Infant vision assessment often relies on grating acuity; however, its objectivity and convenience must be improved. A calibration-free eye-tracking system, even in preverbal children, enables easy and precise gaze analysis. This pilot study aimed to develop a reliable automated monocular vision screening. Methods Participants (n=118) underwent a grating visual acuity test using the eye-tracking system. Correlations between the grating acuity, uncorrected visual acuity, and refractive error were analyzed across different cutoff values of fixation duration percentage. Results Strong correlations were found between the grating acuity and refractive error at 69% and 88% thresholds. Similar correlations with uncorrected visual acuity were noted at 70% and 89% thresholds. False-negatives around the 70% threshold were noted, indicating potential overestimation of acuity in cases of low visual acuity/high refractive error. Discussion The results highlight the feasibility of calibration-free eye-tracking system-based monocular vision screening with an optimal screening threshold of 90%.
