Ability to Measure Refraction Using the Retinomax Refractometer in African–American and Hispanic Preschool Children: The Multi–Ethnic Pediatric Eye Disease Study

Abstract

Purpose: : To determine ability to measure refractive error with the Retinomax refractometer in African–American and Hispanic preschool children.

Methods: : A population–based cohort of children 6 –72 months of age was tested with the Retinomax device for refractive error following cycloplegia with cyclopentolate eye drops. The right eye was tested first. Up to three attempts were made on each eye to achieve a confidence level of ≥8 in both eyes, which was considered a successful test. Age, gender and ethnic association with testability were tested using chi–square and Mantel–Haenszel procedures.

Results: : Retinomax testing was attempted in 1529 Hispanic and 1236 African–American children. Overall, 88% of Hispanics and 85% of African–Americans (p=0.02) were successfully tested. Testability remained constant at 54% from age 6 to 18 months of age; increased to 79% in children 19–24 months of age; 90% in children 25–30 months of age; 95% in children 31–36 months of age; and over 97% in children 37–72 months of age. (p<0.001). There were no ethnicity (p=0.09) or gender (p=0.68) related differences in testability when adjusted for age.

Conclusions: : Reliable cycloplegic refractions can be achieved with the Retinomax refractometer in the majority of children as young as 6 months of age. More than 90% of children are testable by age 2 years. Testability is not related to gender or ethnic differences.

Keywords: visual acuity • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: systems/equipment/techniques • screening for ambylopia and strabismus