Abstract
Purpose: :
To assess the accuracy and reproducibility of lid measurement taken by an ophthalmologist using the Ptosis Assessment Spectacles and comparing these to measurements taken with a ruler.To assess the feasibility of non-medical staff recording lid movement and function using these spectacles.
Methods: :
37 children, aged 2-12 (average 5.7) years were recruited into this study. They, with their parents or guardians were attending the Paediatric Ophthalmology Clinics in the Eye Ear and Mouth Unit, Maidstone Hospital.Each child underwent 3 sets of measurements. The first was undertaken by a non-medical member of the clinic staff (an orthoptist or an optometrist) using the Ptosis Assessment Spectacles. Next an ophthalmologist assessed the child both in the conventional manner using a ruler and with the spectacles. On each occasion the palpebral aperture (PA), skin crease (SC) and levator function (LF) were recorded in millimetres.A verbal analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess parent satisfaction with each method of examination.
Results: :
When examined by an ophthalmologist, measurements taken by the 2 methods were generally within 1 mm; PA 33/37(89%), SC 35/37 (95%) and LF 36/37 (97%).A similar level of accuracy was achieved by non-medical staff using the spectacles forPA and SC measurements, 32/37 (86%) within 1mm; although levator function was less accurately recorded with only 27/37 (73%) within 1 mm.33/37 parents expressed preference for the spectacles (mean VAS score: 8) whilst 4 had no preference. The mean acceptability score for the ruler was 5 (p<0.05).
Keywords: eyelid • spectacle lens • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: systems/equipment/techniques