[Computer animated childrens pictures for vision testing].
BACKGROUND
Testing visual acuity is a very important element especially in the ophthalmological examination of children. The diagnosis and procedure of subsequent therapy depend on the results of vision testing. Some children achieve false low results in visual acuity because of reduced compliance. This can lead to incorrect diagnoses and false therapies.


METHODS
We developed a computer animated version of the visual acuity chart "Echelle Animaux". This new test was first performed on 16 normal adult volunteers and then on 16 children who achieved as good visual scores in conventional tests as the control group. After that we tested 25 children with low compliance.


RESULTS
Most of the tested children were more motivated and attentive when performing the new test. In 9 out of 25 children the measured visual acuity scores were clearly better than in the conventional test.


CONCLUSIONS
The animation of optotypes has a favourable effect on the motivation of children. The problem of reduced compliance and concentration can be reduced. The visual acuity scores can be improved by eliminating mistakes caused by low motivation.
Müller
D
D
Universitäts-Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Deutschland.
Kandzia
C
C
Roider
J
J
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014787:Vision Tests / Q000379:methods*; D014792:Visual Acuity