Assessing Infants and Young Children

Assessing Infants and Young Children

Tests on the resolution of the eye in infants under 1 year

To assess visual acuity in young children (up to 1 year), optometrists may use tests to visual preferences. Cards for testing visual acuity Keeler and Teller are almost identical and represent the image strips imposed on the scoreboard with a baby on one side. In the test Keeler imposed black-and-white stripes. The reverse side displays a target of uniform gray color. An important aspect of the study is that black and white characters have a light equal to a uniform gray color on the reverse side (the percentage of black and white stripes in the same as the percentage of black and white in the gray traffic). These two targets look identical to the observer, the resolution of the eye which does not allow distinguishing between strips. If the child distinguishes the band, with the stripes seem to target it more visually interesting and eye fixation occurs precisely at the site.

The test involves a lot of cards with a gradually increasing contrast stripes. Specialist first makes a big band-width (low frequency) and watching the movements of the eyes of the child. Each card is presented 4 times, and the specialist must accurately record the reaction of the child's eyes, at least three times after a "blind" the presentation of her child. After this width is imposed on the card is reduced, while the researcher is not able to accurately obtain the correct answer after three of the four shows. The highest threshold frequency, which yields 75% correct answers, is recorded as visual acuity. (Although Keeler test cards are no longer available, Teller cards are still available and are a viable alternative) (Sattler, 2001).

Tests on the resolution of the eye in children older than 1 year

A test with strips of “work” is very good with babies under 1 year, but they often get tired of seeing bands. Test Cardiff - is another possible test, which adds an element of interest by using pictures of black and white lines. These "disappearing" optotypes are composed of two thin black lines and a white line (twice thinner). When a strip of "superior" resolution of the eye, they "disappear". The test is used similar to the Cardiff tests and Keeler Teller Protocol: the browser does not know the whereabouts of "target" and judges her position by observing the movements of the eyes of the child, even though the child may be asked to specify a target to increase its interest in the test.

Cardiff test is useful not only for young children, but also for older children and adults with learning difficulties or communication, which cannot be applied more sophisticated tests. Similar tests on visual preferences based on serious scientific research agency of the child development and available information about the norms for each age. Tests are provided with simple instructions and easily implemented. It is unlikely that the majority of optometrists work with children ...