Use of the Arden grating test for screening

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Vision Science

Background:

• The Arden grating test (AGT) is utilized for screening visual function.
• High scores on the AGT prompt clinical eye evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine optimal referral criteria for the Arden grating test (AGT).
• To evaluate the efficacy of the AGT in identifying abnormal eyes compared to clinical examination.

Main Methods:

• One hundred and forty patients with high AGT scores underwent clinical eye examinations.
• AGT scores were analyzed to establish referral thresholds.
• Clinical examination results (normal, abnormal, indeterminate) were recorded.

Main Results:

• Of the referred patients, 66% had normal eyes, 31% abnormal, and 3% indeterminate.
• Recommended AGT criteria include a total score ≥80, at least one plate score ≥17, or an interocular difference ≥13.
• These criteria detect at least 95% of abnormal eyes.
• The AGT demonstrated comparable performance to the Snellen distance visual acuity test in differentiating normal from abnormal eyes.
• The AGT showed a better false positive to false negative ratio with the recommended criteria.

Conclusions:

• The proposed AGT referral criteria are effective in identifying patients with abnormal eyes.
• The AGT serves as a valuable screening tool in ophthalmology and optometry.
• The AGT offers advantages in specificity and sensitivity for detecting visual impairments.