Abstract
Purpose: :
The iScreen digital photoscreener and the MTI photoscreener are both used to objectively screen for amblyopia risk factors in children. The MTI photoscreener is an analog model placing images on instant film and has been extensively tested, but limited availability of film may render it obsolete. The newly introduced iScreen digital photoscreener is a similar hand-held device, taking two rapid digital images, which are electronically transmitted for interpretation. In this study we compare the iScreen photoscreener with MTI for the ability to detect amblyopia risk factors compared to an ophthalmology exam and cycloplegic refraction in one cohort of children. We believe our results will help guide community-based screening programs in their selection of vision screening devices.
Methods: :
We performed a retrospective medical record review of patients who underwent iScreen and MTI photoscreening. 47 consecutive children were examined in our office. Each child was screened with both the iScreen as well as the MTI photoscreener in our office on the same day as part of a comprehensive pediatric ophthalmology examination. iScreen images were analyzed by the company and MTI images were analyzed by an expert masked examiner. Referral by either device was compared to the presence of amblyopia risk factors as determined by a cycloplegic examination as per the AAPOS referral criteria.
Results: :
47 children were analyzed in total. 70% of children were found to have amblyopia risk factors. The iScreen was found to have a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 79%. The MTI was found to have a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 100%.
Conclusions: :
The iScreen and MTI performed similarly on this cohort of patients when compared to a comprehensive pediatric ophthalmology examination. Screening programs should feel comfortable substituting the iScreen photoscreener for the MTI.
Keywords: amblyopia • strabismus: diagnosis and detection • strabismus