Abstract
Purpose :
We aim to test the repeatability of ETDRS visual acuity test with black and white optotypes in myopic and non-myopic children.Visual acuity with black optotype on a white background (B-on-W) was compared to white optotype on a black background (W-on-B) in myopic children as compared to non-myopic children aged 8-12 years.
Methods :
36 children (18 girls and 18 boys) aged 8-12 years were tested utilizing an electronic automated ATS surrounded ETDRS distance acuity chart (M&S Technologies Inc) with both B-on-W and W-on-B testing conditions. Participants were tested monocularly at a 3 meter viewing distance. The testing screen was calibrated to a luminance of 90-100 lux. Participants were retested after a 30-minute break (± 15 minutes). Only right eye data was used for statistical analysis. Bland-Altman analysis was conducted with a 95% limit of agreement (LoA). Paired T-Tests were implemented to evaluate test and retest. Independent T-Tests were utilized to compare myopic (n=19) and non-myopic participants (n=17).
Results :
Agreement of repeatability between test and retest shows a 95% LoA of ± 0.20 LogMAR for black optotype (upper LoA = 0.18 and lower LoA = –0.22, mean difference = -0.02, P > 0.05) and ± 0.15 LogMAR for white optotype (upper LoA = 0.13 and lower LoA = –0.17, mean difference = -0.02, P > 0.05). The agreement of black optotype and white optotype test conditions resulted in a 95% LoA of ± 0.17 LogMAR (upper LoA = 0.15 and lower LoA = -0.19, mean difference = -0.02, P > 0.05). When comparing myopic with non-myopic children, the myopic group habitual visual acuity was poorer in the black optotype condition (mean difference = -0.14 LogMAR, P < 0.001) and the white optotype condition (mean difference = -0.15 LogMAR, P < 0.001).
Conclusions :
When using the ATS-ETDRS method, both white and black optotypes are repeatable visual acuity tests in children aged 8-12 years.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.