Vision screening using a smartphone platform.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a platform designed for pediatricians to screen amblyopia using a smartphone. METHODS: The medical records of consecutive children who received visual screening using a smartphone platform were retrospectively reviewed. The smartphone was used with a flash concentrator case and a software for capturing images of both eyes simultaneously by a photorefraction mechanism. The platform performance was compared to the comprehensive ophthalmological examination, which is considered the gold standard for detecting amblyopia. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the software in detecting amblyopia risk factors were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 157 children were included, with a mean age of 6.0±.5 years (range 5-7). In 94% of the cases, the software was able to analyze the images and release a result, determining whether or not the child presented with amblyopia risk factors. Compared to the ophthalmological examination, the smartphone platform sensitivity in detecting amblyopia risk factors was 84%, the specificity was 74%, the positive predictive value was 86%, and the negative predictive value was 70%. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity and specificity of the smartphone photoscreening platform to detect amblyopia risk factors were within the range of traditional instrument-based vision screening technology. A smartphone photorefraction platform appears to be a promising cost-effective alternative to assist pediatricians and minimize obstacles to vision screening and amblyopia detection. Future studies are needed to gather additional comparative data.

Visual Acuity Assessment and Vision Screening Using a Novel Smartphone Application.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a smartphone-based application's (Peek Acuity) ability to assess visual acuity and screen for ocular conditions in children, we compared visual acuity assessment between Peek Acuity and the pediatric ophthalmology examination and evaluated Peek Acuity's ability to identify children with referable ocular conditions. STUDY DESIGN: We prospectively recruited 111 children age 3-17 years, presenting to a pediatric ophthalmology clinic, who could follow instructions. Monocular visual acuity assessments by Peek Acuity and standard clinical methods were performed in randomized order. We compared visual acuity assessments between methods using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and evaluated Peek Acuity's ability to identify children with referable ocular conditions. RESULTS: ICC comparing visual acuity assessed between methods was 0.88 (95% CI 0.83-0.92) for first and 0.85 (95% CI 0.78-0.89) for second eyes examined. ICC among 3 to 5-year-olds (preschool-age children) was 0.88 (95% CI 0.77-0.94) for first and 0.45 (95% CI 0.13-0.68) for second eyes examined. Peek Acuity had a sensitivity of 83%-86% for decreased vision and 69%-83% for referable ocular disease. Sensitivity was highest among 3 to 5-year-olds with decreased vision, 93%-100%. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, Peek Acuity visual acuity assessment correlated well with visual acuity assessed by standard clinical methods, though preschool-age children appeared more susceptible to examination fatigue. Peek Acuity performed adequately as a screening tool and had the greatest sensitivity among those with decreased vision and preschool-age children. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03212222.

Avaliação e triagem da acuidade visual em escolares da primeira infância / Evaluation and screening of visual acuity in early childhood schoolchildren

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência de alterações visuais em crianças de cinco anos em escolas públicas de Curitiba-PR. Métodos: As escolas foram selecionadas aleatoriamente dentro do município de Curitiba. As crianças com cinco anos completos em 2017 foram avaliadas com a tabela de Snellen, através de distância mínima correta para nitidez de imagem e teste de Hirschberg. Os pais responderam um questionário sobre uso de telas, sintomas oculares e histórico familiar da criança. Os resultados das avaliações foram analisados estatisticamente considerando nível de significância p≤0,05. Resultados: Em uma população de 459 crianças triadas, 219 (47,7%) pertenciam ao sexo feminino e 240 (52,3%) masculino, sendo que do total, 100 foram encaminhadas para avaliação oftalmológica especializada. A partir da triagem observou-se a prevalência de miopia de 10,7%, hipermetropia de 17,6% e estrabismo de 0,9%. Houve relação entre genitores com miopia e filhos míopes (p<0,05). Dentre as queixas oftalmológicas predominaram cefaleia (30,4%) e franzir de testa (10%). Conclusão: A prevalência de alterações visuais encontrada foi de 21,8%. A relação entre distúrbios visuais e o histórico familiar se mostrou estatisticamente significativa. Entretanto, apenas o tempo médio em frente à televisão apresentou influência, dentre os hábitos de vida, sobre as alterações da AV (p=0,028). Queixas oftalmológicas apesar de frequentes, não apresentaram correlação expressiva com a diminuição da acuidade visual.

Abstract Objective: To identify the incidence of visual impairment in 5-year-old children in public schools from Curitiba-PR. Methods: A selection of schools has been choosen randomly from Curitiba. The children, with completed 5 years at end of 2017 have been evaluated using Snellen table, trough minimum distance for image sharpness and Hirschberg test. Parents answered a questionnaire about the use of screens, ocular symptoms and family history of the child. Significance levels were defines as begin p≤0,05. Results: The results have shown that four hundred fifty-nine children were screened. Two hundred nineteen are female (47,7%) and two hundred fourty (52,3%), male. From all screened patients, one hundred were refered to specialized oftalmic evaluation. After trial completing, has been attained a prevalence value of 10,7% for myopia, 17,6% of hyperopia and 0,9% of strabismus. Strong correlation between parents and children has been undiscovered (p<0,05). From listed oftalmic complaints, headache (30,4%) and frown (10%) where most prevalent. Conclusion: It has been attained that the prevalence of visual acuity is 21,8%. The relation between visual acuity alteration and familiar history has been shown to be significant related. On the other side, the average time in front of television has been shown the only habit that has correlation with visual acuity reduction (p=0,028). Vision complaints, although very frequent, doesn't translate into increased probability of visual acuity alteration.

Visual Impairment and Eye Disease Among Children of Migrant Farmworkers.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of reduced visual acuity and ocular disease in the children of migrant farmworkers in Georgia. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of data acquired by a vision screening was performed on 156 Haitian and Hispanic children of migrant farmworkers attending a summer school in Georgia. Reduced visual acuity at presentation was analyzed and stratified by ethnicity, type of ocular disease, and immediate resolution with refractive correction. RESULTS: The authors found that 20% of migrant farmworker children have a high prevalence of reduced visual acuity in the worse eye. Of those with worse-eye reduced visual acuity, 83% had uncorrected refractive error. The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error from astigmatism and high astigmatism was significantly higher among Hispanics than Haitians. The prevalence of amblyopia suspects among migrant farmworker children was 3%. Of the amblyopia suspects, 80% were anisometropic. CONCLUSIONS: Children of migrant farmworkers in Georgia have a higher rate of reduced visual acuity, largely from uncorrected refractive error, when compared to other Hispanic and African American children in the United States with a prevalence more aligned to children in Asian and Latin American countries than school children in the United States. This illustrates the need for improved access to screening and care in this vulnerable population. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2019;56(1):28-34.].

Triagem oftalmológica em 510 alunos de escolas públicas: desenvolvimento de um projeto social de grande abrangência / Ophthalmologic screening in 510 students of public schools: development of a comprehensive social project

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de crianças com dificuldade visual em triagens realizadas em 3 escolas públicas de Aracaju-SE, estimar a distribuição dos erros refrativos e usar os dados para planejamento de uma ação social mais extensa em todas as escolas públicas da cidade. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com medida da acuidade visual (AV), na forma de triagem. Foram analisados idade, gênero, AV, frequência dos principais erros refrativos, médias de equivalente esférico e cilindro das crianças com AV pior ou igual a 0,7 em qualquer olho, diferença superior a 0,2 entre os olhos, sinais de doenças oculares ou se já fizessem uso de óculos. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 510 crianças nas 3 escolas. A idade média foi 9,1 ± 1,6 anos. Gênero masculino correspondeu a 50,4%. Das 154 crianças (30%) que necessitaram de consulta mais detalhada, 97 se dirigiram à consulta. Destas, 51 tiveram indicação de uso de óculos. Míopes corresponderam a 44,1% dos olhos, hipermetropia a 15,6% e astigmatismo a 82,3%. A idade média das crianças com indicação de uso de óculos foi 9,5 ± 1,7 anos. Considerando-se que há em torno de 15 mil crianças entre o 1º e o 3º anos do ensino fundamental matriculadas nas escolas públicas de Aracaju, pode-se estimar que aproximadamente 30% delas necessitarão de consulta oftalmológica, correspondendo a 4500 atendimentos (2000 a 2500 destas deverão precisar de óculos). Conclusão: Conclui-se que aproximadamente um terço das crianças em idade escolar neste estudo apresentou dificuldade visual durante a triagem. Após avaliação oftalmológica, foram prescritos óculos para pouco mais da metade. Astigmatismo foi o erro de refração mais prevalente. Os dados obtidos foram utilizados para o planejamento de importante ação social a ser desenvolvida pela Sociedade Sergipana de Oftalmologia.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of visually impaired children at screening in three public schools in Aracaju-SE, to estimate the distribution of refractive errors and to use the data to develop a more comprehensive social project in all public schools of town. Methods: Cross-sectional study with visual acuity (VA) measurement at screening. Age, gender, VA, frequency of the main refractive errors, spherical equivalent and cylinder of those children with VA lower than or equal to 0.7 in any eye, difference greater than 0.2 between the eyes, signs of eye diseases or if they already wore glasses. Results: A total of 510 children were evaluated in 3 schools. Mean age was 9.1 ± 1.6 years. Males were 50.4%. Of the 154 children (30%) who required a more detailed examination, 97 went to the office. Of these, 51 had a prescription of glasses. Myopes accounted for 44.1% of the eyes, hypermetropia to 15.6% and astigmatism to 82.3%. Mean age of children with glasses was 9.5 ± 1.7 years. Considering that there are 15 thousand children between the 1st and 3rd years of elementary school, it can be estimated that approximately 30% will require ophthalmological consultation, corresponding to 4500 consultations (2000 to 2500 of these should need glasses). Conclusion: We conclude that approximately one-third of school-age children in this study had visual impairment during screening. After ophthalmological evaluation, glasses were prescribed for just over half. Astigmatism was the most prevalent refractive error in the 3 schools of the study. The data obtained were used for the planning of important social project to be developed by Sergipe's Society of Ophthalmology.

Visual health screening by schoolteachers in remote communities of Peru: implementation research.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the adaptation and scaling-up of an intervention to improve the visual health of children in the Apurimac region, Peru. METHODS: In a pilot screening programme in 2009-2010, 26 schoolteachers were trained to detect and refer visual acuity problems in schoolchildren in one district in Apurimac. To scale-up the intervention, lessons learnt from the pilot were used to design strategies for: (i) strengthening multisector partnerships; (ii) promoting the engagement and participation of teachers and (iii) increasing children's attendance at referral eye clinics. Implementation began in February 2015 in two out of eight provinces of Apurimac, including hard-to-reach communities. We made an observational study of the processes and outcomes of adapting and scaling-up the intervention. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were made of data collected from March 2015 to January 2016 from programme documents, routine reports and structured evaluation questionnaires completed by teachers. FINDINGS: Partnerships were expanded after sharing the results of the pilot phase. Training was completed by 355 teachers and directors in both provinces, belonging to 315 schools distributed in 24 districts. Teachers' appraisal of the training achieved high positive scores. Outreach eye clinics and subsidies for glasses were provided for poorer families. Data from six districts showed that attendance at the eye clinic increased from 66% (45/68 children referred) in the pilot phase to 92% (237/259) in the implementation phase. CONCLUSION: Adaptation to the local context allowed the scaling-up of an intervention to improve visual health in children and enhanced the equity of the programme.

Reducing visual deficits caused by refractive errors in school and preschool children: results of a pilot school program in the Andean region of Apurimac, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Refractive error is defined as the inability of the eye to bring parallel rays of light into focus on the retina, resulting in nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (Hyperopia) or astigmatism. Uncorrected refractive error in children is associated with increased morbidity and reduced educational opportunities. Vision screening (VS) is a method for identifying children with visual impairment or eye conditions likely to lead to visual impairment. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the utility of vision screening conducted by teachers and to contribute to a better estimation of the prevalence of childhood refractive errors in Apurimac, Peru. Design : A pilot vision screening program in preschool (Group I) and elementary school children (Group II) was conducted with the participation of 26 trained teachers. Children whose visual acuity was<6/9 [20/30] (Group I) and ≤ 6/9 (Group II) in one or both eyes, measured with the Snellen Tumbling E chart at 6 m, were referred for a comprehensive eye exam. Specificity and positive predictive value to detect refractive error were calculated against clinical examination. Program assessment with participants was conducted to evaluate outcomes and procedures. RESULTS: A total sample of 364 children aged 3-11 were screened; 45 children were examined at Centro Oftalmológico Monseñor Enrique Pelach (COMEP) Eye Hospital. Prevalence of refractive error was 6.2% (Group I) and 6.9% (Group II); specificity of teacher vision screening was 95.8% and 93.0%, while positive predictive value was 59.1% and 47.8% for each group, respectively. Aspects highlighted to improve the program included extending training, increasing parental involvement, and helping referred children to attend the hospital. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of refractive error in children is significant in the region. Vision screening performed by trained teachers is a valid intervention for early detection of refractive error, including screening of preschool children. Program sustainability and improvements in education and quality of life resulting from childhood vision screening require further research.

Implantação do exame do reflexo vermelho em crianças da região do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu - SP - Brasil / Implementation of red reflex exam in children in the area of Botucatu Medical School Clinical Hospital - São Paulo, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Descrever a implantação do teste de reflexo vermelho nas 30 cidades de inserção do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, HC/FMB/UNESP (480.337 habitantes), a criação de um centro para referência de crianças com reflexo vermelho alterado ou duvidoso, a Triagem do reflexo vermelho e outro para o tratamento da catarata infantil, o Centro de tratamento da catarata infantil. MÉTODOS: O exame do reflexo vermelho foi divulgado em 30 cidades da região de Botucatu. Foram realizadas palestras aos municípios, convocados pelo Departamento Regional de Saúde VI do estado de São Paulo (DRS VI). Foram distribuídos 109 "pen torch ophthalmoscope", às maternidades e Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBSs) das cidades. A Triagem do reflexo vermelho recebeu os casos de reflexo vermelho alterado ou duvidoso e estabeleceu o diagnóstico oftalmológico. O Centro de tratamento da catarata infantil realizou o exame pré-operatório, o tratamento cirúrgico e o acompanhamento das crianças com catarata. RESULTADOS: Após um ano de funcionamento a Triagem do reflexo vermelho atendeu 29 crianças, 17 do sexo masculino e 12 do feminino, com idade média e desvio padrão (dp) de 10,09 ± 20,35 meses (7 dias - 98 meses). 16 pacientes foram encaminhados com reflexo vermelho alterado, idade média e dp de 13,17 ± 24,14 meses (7 dias - 98 meses), a alteração foi confirmada em todos os casos, 13 deles apresentavam catarata. Em 13 encaminhamentos com reflexo duvidoso, idade média e dp de 6,29 ± 14,46 meses (7 dias - 98 meses), a alteração não se confirmou. A incidência de alterações do reflexo vermelho encontradas foi de 9,2/10.000 nascidos vivos e a incidência the catarata foi de 7,9/10.000 nascidos vivos. CONCLUSÃO: Descrevemos a implantação do Teste do reflexo vermelho na Região de Botucatu, a criação da Triagem do reflexo vermelho e do Centro de tratamento da catarata infantil e dificuldades encontradas.

PURPOSE: To describe the implantation of the red reflex test in 30 cities in the area of Botucatu Medical School Clinical Hospital, (480,337 inhabitants) and the creation of a reference Center for children with red reflex changes, the Red reflex screening and another Center for treatment of childhood cataract. METHODS: The red reflex exam was released in 30 cities of the surrounding Botucatu area, lectures were done in the cities invited to participate by the Regional Department of Health.109 pen torch ophthalmoscopes were distributed to the hospital maternities and primary care units. The Red reflex screening attended cases of altered or doubtful red reflex and established the diagnosis. The Center for treatment of childhood cataract performed the preoperative examination, surgical treatment and follow-up of children with cataracts. RESULTS: After one year the Red reflex screening attended 29 children, 17 males and 12 females, mean age and pattern deviation (PD) of 10.09 ± 20.35 months (7 days - 98 months old). 16 patients were referred with altered red reflex, with a mean age and pattern deviation of 13.17 ± 24.14 months (7 days - 98 months old). The alteration was confirmed in all of these cases. 13 children had cataract. In 13 children with doubtful exam, with a mean age and PD of 6.29 ± 14.46 months (7 days - 54 months old), the alteration was not confirmed in any of these patients. The incidence of negative red reflex found among newborns was 9.2/10,000 and the incidence cataracts in this same group was 7.9/10,000. CONCLUSION: We described the implantation of the red reflex exam in the Botucatu area, and the creation of a reference Center for eye examination of children with changes in the red reflex, and the creation of a reference Center for treatment of childhood cataract and difficulties.

[Implementation of red reflex exam in children in the area of Botucatu Medical School Clinical Hospital--São Paulo, Brazil]. / Implantação do exame do reflexo vermelho em crianças da região do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu--SP--Brasil.

PURPOSE: To describe the implantation of the red reflex test in 30 cities in the area of Botucatu Medical School Clinical Hospital, (480,337 inhabitants) and the creation of a reference Center for children with red reflex changes, the Red reflex screening and another Center for treatment of childhood cataract. METHODS: The red reflex exam was released in 30 cities of the surrounding Botucatu area, lectures were done in the cities invited to participate by the Regional Department of Health.109 pen torch ophthalmoscopes were distributed to the hospital maternities and primary care units. The Red reflex screening attended cases of altered or doubtful red reflex and established the diagnosis. The Center for treatment of childhood cataract performed the preoperative examination, surgical treatment and follow-up of children with cataracts. RESULTS: After one year the Red reflex screening attended 29 children, 17 males and 12 females, mean age and pattern deviation (PD) of 10.09 ± 20.35 months (7 days - 98 months old). 16 patients were referred with altered red reflex, with a mean age and pattern deviation of 13.17 ± 24.14 months (7 days - 98 months old). The alteration was confirmed in all of these cases. 13 children had cataract. In 13 children with doubtful exam, with a mean age and PD of 6.29 ± 14.46 months (7 days - 54 months old), the alteration was not confirmed in any of these patients. The incidence of negative red reflex found among newborns was 9.2/10,000 and the incidence cataracts in this same group was 7.9/10,000. CONCLUSION: We described the implantation of the red reflex exam in the Botucatu area, and the creation of a reference Center for eye examination of children with changes in the red reflex, and the creation of a reference Center for treatment of childhood cataract and difficulties.

Early detection of visual impairment and its relation to academic performance.

OBJECTIVE: To perform early detection of visual impairment in schoolchildren and to investigate its association with academic performance. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using a sample of third-grade students from public elementary schools of the municipality of Juiz de Fora, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Students performed the visual acuity (VA) test using the Snellen chart. We also analyzed school records and administered a previously validated self-administered questionnaire. We considered that there was low VA when the VA value achieved using the chart was lower than or equal to 0.7, while poor academic performance was identified when the average grades of the last school year did not reach 60 points. RESULTS: We analyzed 222 students from five public schools. In terms of visual acuity, 31% of the students had impaired VA in the right eye and 29.8% of the students had impaired VA in the left eye. Our sample had 15.5% of students with fair or poor academic performance. Among the students with normal VA, 89.5% had satisfactory academic performance, while among those with impaired VA, only 75% achieved satisfactory performance (p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that there is an association between low VA and poor academic performance in the sample assessed.

Seleção visual da cor em Odontologia / Visual shade selection in Dentistry

Uma adequada seleção de cor em Odontologia é imprescindível para se alcançar um bom resultado estético. O método mais difundido para realizar tal seleção é o visual, no qual se realizam comparações simultâneas entre a cor do dente e a cor de uma escala. Dessa forma, o método de seleção visual da cor gera muitas dúvidas, que variam desde a técnica de seleção até a escala mais adequada para a equiparação da cor. O conhecimento dos aspectos inerentes à estrutura dentária, à fonte de luz, às escalas e até mesmo à pessoa que está observando a cor deve ser considerado durante a seleção. Além disso, todas essas informações devem ser corretamente transmitidas ao técnico de laboratório para que o resultado final seja o desejado. O presente artigo reúne as principais informações referentes aos dentes, fonte luminosa, observador e escalas disponíveis, assim como apresenta uma sugestão de mapa cromático para comunicação laboratorial.

[PhotoScreener for preschool children visual screening]. / "Screening" visual em crianças pré-escolaresutilizando o PhotoScreener.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the PhotoScreener (PS) is useful as a method of screening in the prevention of amblyopia in children. METHODS: 227 preschool children were evaluated through the application of a questionnaire, refratometry measurements and photos using the PS. After this, all children were submitted to cycloplegic refraction, 30 minutes after one drop of cycloplegic agent. Refraction was performed by a mydriatic automatic refractor Shin Nippon. Children identified as suffering from eye problems were treated, according to the criteria: hyperopia greater than +1.50 D, myopia greater than -1.00 D and astigmatism greater than 1.00 D. Data were analyzed through Goodman test, descriptive statistics and study of the specificity and sensitivity of the use of PS, comparing its results with other ophthalmologic assessment methods. RESULTS: There was a male predominance (54.6%), and the majority of children were four or five years old. PS sensitivity (S) compared to refraction under cycloplegia was 50.9%. The specificity (E) was 78.9%, positive predictive value (PPV) = 70%, negative predictive value (NPV) = 62.5% and accuracy (A) = 65.1%. CONCLUSIONS: PS, when compared to cycloplegic refraction spherical equivalent, is a reasonable method of screening, although the low sensitivity. A positive point to be emphasized is the considerable specificity.

"Screening" visual em crianças pré-escolares utilizando o PhotoScreenerTM / PhotoScreener for preschool children visual screening

OBJETIVO: O objetivo geral foi detectar fatores ambliopigênicos em uma população de pré-escolares, utilizando exames refratométricos e o PhotoScreenerTM (PS) e o objetivo específico foi verificar se a avaliação feita com o PS é útil como método de triagem em campanhas de prevenção de ambliopia em crianças. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, prospectivo, de janeiro a dezembro de 2007, avaliando-se 227 crianças pré-escolares, com o intuito de detectar, através da aplicação de um questionário, exames refratométricos e fotografias utilizando o PS, a presença de fatores causadores de ambliopia na população de estudo. Todas as crianças foram avaliadas pelo PS. Em seguida, todas as crianças foram submetidas à cicloplegia , sendo avaliadas usando refrator automático Shin Nippon®. As crianças detectadas como portadoras de problemas oculares receberam prescrição óptica, segundo os critérios: hipermetropia maior que +1,50 D, miopia maior que -1,00 D e astigmatismo maior que 1,00 D. Analisaram-se os dados através do teste de concordância de Goodman, estatística descritiva e estudo da especificidade e sensibilidade ao emprego do PS, comparando os resultados com ele obtidos, com os resultados dos outros métodos de avaliação oftalmológica. RESULTADOS: A distribuição entre os sexos foi semelhante, sendo que a maioria das crianças apresentava quatro ou cinco anos de idade. A sensibilidade (S) do PS, comparando-se o resultado obtido neste aparelho com o autorrefrator sob cicloplegia, foi de 50,9 por cento. Já a especificidade foi de 78,9 por cento; valor preditivo positivo 70 por cento; valor preditivo negativo 62,5 por cento e acurácia 65,1 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: Das 101 crianças cujas fotografias tiradas através do PS puderam ser analisadas satisfatoriamente, trinta e seis apresentavam erro refrativo que necessitou de correção. O PS, quando comparado com equivalente esférico do autorrefrator sob cicloplegia, é um método razoável de triagem, ...

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the PhotoScreenerTM (PS) is useful as a method of screening in the prevention of amblyopia in children. METHODS: 227 preschool children were evaluated through the application of a questionnaire, refratometry measurements and photos using the PS. After this, all children were submitted to cycloplegic refraction, 30 minutes after one drop of cycloplegic agent. Refraction was performed by a mydriatic automatic refractor Shin Nippon®. Children identified as suffering from eye problems were treated, according to the criteria: hyperopia greater than +1.50 D, myopia greater than -1.00 D and astigmatism greater than 1.00 D. Data were analyzed through Goodman test, descriptive statistics and study of the specificity and sensitivity of the use of PS, comparing its results with other ophthalmologic assessment methods. RESULTS: There was a male predominance (54.6 percent), and the majority of children were four or five years old. PS sensitivity (S) compared to refraction under cycloplegia was 50.9 percent. The specificity (E) was 78.9 percent, positive predictive value (PPV) = 70 percent, negative predictive value (NPV) = 62.5 percent and accuracy (A) = 65.1 percent. CONCLUSIONS: PS, when compared to cycloplegic refraction spherical equivalent, is a reasonable method of screening, although the low sensitivity. A positive point to be emphasized is the considerable specificity.

Detecção precoce de deficiência visual e sua relação com o rendimento escolar: study in A / Early detection of visual impairment and its relation with school effectiveness

OBJETIVO: Detectar precocemente deficiência na acuidade visual de escolares e verificar sua associação com o rendimento escolar. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado em amostra de escolares do terceiro ano do Ensino Fundamental da rede pública do município de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. Foram realizados o exame de acuidade visual (AV) com o uso da Escala de Snellen e a análise do histórico escolar, bem como foi utilizado questionário autoaplicável, previamente validado. A baixa acuidade visual foi considerada quando o índice obtido pela escala foi menor ou igual a 0,7 e o baixo rendimento escolar quando as médias das notas do último ano letivo não alcançaram 60 pontos. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 222 estudantes provenientes de cinco escolas públicas. Em relação à acuidade visual, 31 por cento alunos apresentaram AV alterada no olho direito e 29,8 por cento alunos apresentaram AV alterada no olho esquerdo. Na amostra estudada, 15,5 por cento dos alunos apresentaram rendimento escolar regular ou insatisfatório. Entre os alunos com AV dentro da normalidade, 89,5 por cento apresentaram rendimento escolar considerado satisfatório, enquanto que, entre aqueles com AV alterada, apenas 75 por cento apresentaram tal rendimento (p=0,015). CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo sugere a existência de associação entre baixa acuidade visual e baixo rendimento escolar na amostra avaliada.

OBJECTIVE: To detect early visual acuity deficiency of school children and its association with school performance METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample from the third year of elementary schools in the city of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. The examination of visual acuity (VA) was carried out using Snellen Scale, an analysis of transcripts was made and a self-administered questionnaire, previously validated was used. Visual acuity loss was considered when the index obtained by the scale was less than or equal to 0.7 and poor academic performance when the average scores of the last school year did not reach 60 points. RESULTS: We analyzed 222 students from five public schools. Regarding visual acuity, 31 percent of students had a change in the right eye and 29.8 percent had a change in the left eye. In this sample, 15.5 percent of the students had unsatisfactory or poor school performance. Among the students with normal VA , 89.5 percent had satisfactory school performance, while among those with VA changes, only 75 percent had such a performance (p-value: 0.015). CONCLUSION: This study suggests an association between low visual acuity and poor school performance in the sample analyzed.

[Validation of a regionalized optometric scale for preschool children: nursing contribution]. / Validação de escala optométrica regionalizada para pré-escolares: contribuição da enfermagem.

A regionalized figure scale (RAD) was developed. The objective was to validate the scale, evaluate the correlation between the visual acuity coefficients, verify the association between the tests, and verify the agreement between the measures. This is a triple-blind, experimental, random technology validation study performed on 246 students. Sensitivity was 88.6 RAD1 and 85.7 RAD2 for the right eye (RE), and 78.6 and 92.9 for the left eye (LE), whereas RE specificity was 95.3 RAD1 and 98.1 RAD2, and, 97.7 and 98.6 for the LE, respectively. As for the positive predictive value, RAD1 was 75.6 RE and 81.5 LE, and RAD2 88.2 RE and 89.7 LE. The negative predictive value in RAD1 was 98.0 RE and 97.3 LE, and in RAD2 97.6 RE and 99.1 LE. For the correlation and association in the RE and LE, p=0.0001. Cronbach's Alpha was 0.929. A statistically significant relation was found between the standard criterion and the scale.

Validação de escala optométrica regionalizada para pré-escolares: contribuição da enfermagem / Validación de una escala optométrica regionalizada para preescolares: contribución de la enfermaría / Validation of a regionalized optometric scale for preschool children: nursing contribution

Desenvolveu-se escala de figuras regionalizadas (RAD). Objetivou-se validar a escala, avaliar a correlação entre os coeficientes da acuidade visual, verificar a associação entre os testes e verificar a concordância das medidas. Este é um estudo de validação de tecnologia, experimental, aleatório, triplo-cego, com 246 escolares. Enquanto a sensibilidade foi 88,6 RAD1 e 85,7 RAD2 para o olho direito (OD) e 78,6 e 92,9 para o esquerdo (OE), a especificidade do OD foi 95,3 RAD 1 e 98,1 RAD2 e do OE 97,7 e 98,6, respectivamente. Quanto ao valor preditivo positivo, RAD1 foi 75,6 OD e 81,5 OE e RAD2 88,2 OD e 89,7 OE. Já o valor preditivo negativo em RAD1 foi de 98,0 OD e 97,3 OE e em RAD2 97,6 OD e 99,1 OE. Para correlação e associação no OD e OE, o valor considerado de p = 0,0001. O Alfa de Crombach foi 0,929. Houve significância entre o critério padrão e a escala.

A regionalized figure scale (RAD) was developed. The objective was to validate the scale, evaluate the correlation between the visual acuity coefficients, verify the association between the tests, and verify the agreement between the measures. This is a triple-blind, experimental, random technology validation study performed on 246 students. Sensitivity was 88.6 RAD1 and 85.7 RAD2 for the right eye (RE), and 78.6 and 92.9 for the left eye (LE), whereas RE specificity was 95.3 RAD1 and 98.1 RAD2, and, 97.7 and 98.6 for the LE, respectively. As for the positive predictive value, RAD1 was 75.6 RE and 81.5 LE, and RAD2 88.2 RE and 89.7 LE. The negative predictive value in RAD1 was 98.0 RE and 97.3 LE, and in RAD2 97.6 RE and 99.1 LE. For the correlation and association in the RE and LE, p=0.0001. Cronbach's Alpha was 0.929. A statistically significant relation was found between the standard criterion and the scale.

Se desarrolló una escala de figuras regionalizadas (RAD). Los objetivos fueron: validar la escala; evaluar la correlación entre los coeficientes de la acuidad visual; verificar la asociación entre las pruebas; y, verificar la concordancia de las medidas. Se trata de un estudio de validación de tecnología, experimental, aleatorio, triple ciego, con 246 escolares. En lo que se refiere a la sensibilidad fue 88,6 RAD1 y 85,7 RAD2 para el ojo derecho (OD), 78,6 y 92,9 para el izquierdo (OE), la especificidad del OD fue 95,3 RAD 1 y 98,1 RAD2 y del OE 97,7 y 98,6. En lo que se refiere al valor predictivo positivo, RAD1 fue 75,6 OD y 81,5 OE y RAD2 88,2 OD y 89,7 OE. Ya el valor predictivo negativo en RAD1 fue de 98,0 OD y 97,3 OE y en RAD 2 97,6 OD y 99,1 OE. Para correlación y asociación en el OD y OE, p = 0,0001. El Alfa de Cronbach fue de 0,929. Hubo significancia entre el criterio estándar y la escala.

Photo screening around the world: Lions Club International Foundation experience.

PURPOSE: To describe the use of photoscreening for preschool vision screening in several diverse locations throughout the world. METHODS: The MTI photo screener was used to screen pre-verbal children; photographs were interpreted using standard criteria. RESULTS: The Tennessee vision screening program remains successful, screening over 200,000 children during the past 8 years. Similar programs modeled across the United States have screened an additional 500,000 children. A pilot demonstration project in Hong Kong, Beijing, and Brazil screened over 5000 additional children with good success and appropriately low referral rates. CONCLUSION: Photoscreening can be an appropriate technique for widespread vision screening of preschool children throughout the world.