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Updated: May 15, 2025
A Method to Quantify Visual Information Processing in Children Using Eye Tracking
Published on: July 9, 2016
Visual profiling and vision screening of preschool children in Greenland
Nick Duelund1,2,3,4, Ivan Nisted5,6, Marit Eika Jørgensen2,7,8
1Queen Ingrid's Primary Healthcare Center Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland.
Insights
Preschool children in Greenland generally have good vision and mild hyperopia. A vision screening combining autorefractor and visual acuity tests is recommended for early detection in kindergartens.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
- Public Health
Background:
- Establishing normative visual data in preschool children is crucial for early detection of vision impairments.
- Greenland's unique healthcare context necessitates tailored vision screening methods for remote populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative data for refraction and visual acuity in Greenlandic preschool children.
- To develop and evaluate a practical vision screening method suitable for Greenlandic healthcare needs.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cross-sectional study included 274 preschool children in Greenland.
- Vision screening involved distance/near visual acuity, stereoacuity, and non-cycloplegic refraction (Plusoptix A12R).
- Ophthalmologist follow-up included cycloplegic refraction; sensitivity analysis of screening methods was performed.
Main Results:
- Mean visual acuity was 0.05 logMAR (worse eye) and 0.01 logMAR (best eye).
- Prevalence of myopia (≤-0.5D) was 5%, and hyperopia (>+2.0D) was 18%.
- Combined Plusoptix autorefractor and distance visual acuity screening showed 89% sensitivity for identifying children needing further evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Most Greenlandic preschool children exhibit good visual acuity and mild hyperopia.
- A vision screening protocol using the Plusoptix autorefractor and distance visual acuity is effective for early detection.
- Implementing this screening in kindergartens can improve early detection and treatment outcomes for vision disorders.
Abstract:
A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in six towns in Greenland to establish normative data on refraction and visual acuity in preschool children and to develop a practical vision screening method suited to Greenlandic healthcare needs. We recruited 274 children born in 2017 through kindergartens in six towns. The only exclusion criterion was known eye disease under ophthalmological care. Vision screening was performed by an optometrist, assessing distance visual acuity with Kay Pictures, binocular near visual acuity with Lea Symbols, stereoacuity with the Lang II Test, and non-cycloplegic refraction using the Plusoptix A12R. An ophthalmologist conducted follow-up examinations, including cycloplegic refraction, within one week. Of 532 eligible children, 274 participated (144 boys, 133 girls; mean age 4.7 years). The mean visual acuity for the worse- and best-seeing eye was 0.05 (±0.16 SD) and 0.01 (±0.12 SD) logMAR, respectively. Cycloplegic myopia (≤-0.5 dioptres) was found in 5%, while 18% had hyperopia >+2.0 dioptres. Most preschool children in Greenland have good visual acuity and mild hyperopia. Vision screening combining the Plusoptix autorefractor and distance visual acuity demonstrated the highest sensitivity (89%) for identifying children needing further evaluation. Implementing this vision screening method in kindergartens is recommended to improve early detection and treatment outcomes.
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