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Accommodative response in children and young adults using dynamic retinoscopy
1School of Optometry, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Objective assessment of accommodative function is possible in children and non-verbal adults using modified Nott dynamic retinoscopy. Norms reveal age-related differences in accommodative accuracy, with over-accommodation in younger children and under-accommodation in older individuals.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
- Vision Science
Background:
- Assessing accommodative function in children and non-verbal adults is challenging with subjective methods.
- Objective evaluation is crucial for understanding visual development and potential impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish objective norms for accommodative response in normally sighted children and young adults.
- To evaluate the efficacy of modified Nott dynamic retinoscopy for rapid, objective assessment of accommodation.
Main Methods:
- A modified Nott dynamic retinoscopy technique was employed.
- Accommodative response was measured in 55 participants across various accommodative demands.
- Participants were grouped by age (3-5, 6-10, and over 10 years).
Main Results:
- Mean accommodation was accurate within 0.5 D for 3-10-year-olds.
- Younger children (3-5 years) showed slight over-accommodation.
- Older children (6-10 years) and subjects over 10 years demonstrated increasing under-accommodation with higher demands.
Conclusions:
- Normative data for objective accommodative function in children and young adults were established.
- Modified Nott dynamic retinoscopy provides a viable method for assessing pediatric and non-verbal patients.
- Further research is needed to explore accommodation in specific pediatric populations.