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Snellen Chart versus Plusoptix Camera
Snellen Chart versus Plusoptix Camera
Many schools use the traditional Snellen chart to test kid's vision. However, there is a great different between that approach and the use of a Plusoptix Camera.
Snellen Chart
Snellen Chart
The Snellen chart is a classic tool used to measure visual acuity. It’s effective for identifying refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, it has limitations, especially in detecting more subtle or functional vision problems. Studies suggest that traditional vision screening methods, including the Snellen chart, can miss up to 58% of children who need to be referred for further evaluation1.
Plusoptix Camera
Plusoptix Camera
The Plusoptix camera is a photo screening device that provides a more comprehensive assessment of a child’s vision. It can detect a wider range of vision issues, including amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes), which might be missed by the Snellen chart. The Plusoptix camera has shown higher sensitivity and specificity in identifying vision problems in young children. For instance, one study found that the Plusoptix S12 had a sensitivity of 82.9% in correctly identifying children who needed further evaluation
Comparison
Comparison
Detection Rate: The Plusoptix camera generally has a higher detection rate for vision problems compared to the Snellen chart. This means it can identify more children who need further evaluation and treatment.
Range of Issues: While the Snellen chart primarily focuses on visual acuity, the Plusoptix camera can detect a broader range of issues, including those related to eye alignment and binocular vision. (See below)
Ease of Use: The Plusoptix camera is user-friendly and provides immediate results, making it a practical choice for screening young children who may have difficulty with traditional eye charts.
In summary, while the Snellen chart is a valuable tool, the Plusoptix camera offers a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of vision problems in children. This can lead to earlier detection and treatment, ultimately improving outcomes for young patients.
These are the vision issues which the Plusoptix can identify
Myopia (Nearsightedness) - Myopia causes the eyes to focus incorrectly, making distant objects appear blurred. It can be treated with glasses and typically is not amblyogenic as long as both eyes have similar degrees of myopia.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness) - Hyperopia causes difficulty seeing objects that are near. Small levels of far-sightedness are normal for young children, but high levels can cause problems. Left untreated, hyperopia can contribute to crossing of the eyes or poor vision in each eye. This condition can be corrected with glasses.
Astigmatism - Astigmatism is a condition in which the cornea (the clear covering of the front of the eye) has an abnormal curve, causing out-of-focus vision. Typically, an eye with astigmatism is not perfectly round but is slightly oblong, creating astigmatism. Astigmatism is not amblyogenic unless it is asymmetric or of a large degree.
Strabismus - Strabismus is when the eyes are not directed to an object simultaneously. Sometimes the eyes deviate inward, and other times the eyes deviate outward. Vertical Deviations can also occur, but are quite rare.
Anisometropia - This is a condition in which the two eyes have unequal refractive power–they are in different states of myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). Anisometropia can adversely affect the development of binocular vision in infants and children if there is a large difference in clarity between the two eyes. The brain will often suppress the vision of the blurrier eye in a condition called Amblyopia, or lazy eye.
Anisocoria (Unequal Pupil Size) - Slight differences in pupil sizes are found in healthy people. Unequal pupil sizes of more than 1.5 mm may be a sign of an eye, brain, blood vessel, or nerve problem.
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