The Cardiff acuity test used for measuring visual acuity development in toddlers

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Vision
• Developmental Optometry

Background:

• Establishing normative visual acuity data in toddlers is essential for early detection of visual impairments.
• Previous research has limitations in providing comprehensive acuity norms for the 12-36 month age range.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the binocular and monocular visual acuity norms for toddlers aged 12 to 36 months.
• To assess the reliability and success rates of the Cardiff Acuity Test in this age group.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Cardiff Acuity Test to assess 231 toddlers aged 12-36 months.
• Measured binocular and monocular visual acuity, interocular acuity difference, and test success rates.
• Evaluated intraobserver reliability of the test.

Main Results:

• Mean binocular acuity improved from 4.5 to 1.2 min arc; monocular acuity improved from 4.5 to 1.4 min arc.
• Interocular acuity difference was not significant, with 99% of children showing a difference <= 1/3 octave.
• Binocular test success rates were high (96-100%), while monocular rates varied (41-91%).

Conclusions:

• The Cardiff Acuity Test provides reliable and fast visual acuity assessments for toddlers.
• Presented age-specific visual acuity norms are valuable for clinical use in young children.
• The test demonstrates high intraobserver reliability and good success rates, particularly for binocular testing.