Binocular vision measurements with a new online digital platform: comparison with conventional clinical measures

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

New digital systems are being developed for evaluating different aspects of the visual function, such as binocularity, and it is important to know their real performance in clinical practice in order to use them appropriately.

BACKGROUND

The aim was to compare binocular vision measures obtained with an online digital platform with conventional measures using prisms and printed tests.

METHODS

Prospective study enrolling 49 healthy patients (mean age: 35.5 ± 13.6 years). A complete visual examination was performed including measurement of near phoria (cover test), negative fusional vergence (NFV) and positive fusional vergence (PFV) ranges (prism bar), and stereopsis (24 patients Randot Stereo Test and 25 patients TNO Random Dot Test 19th edition). These same parameters were also measured with the Bynocs system (Kanohi Eye Pvt Ltd). Bland - Altman plots were used to analyse the agreement between methods.

RESULTS

Digital measurement of near phoria was significantly lower than that obtained with the cover test, with a median difference (MD) of 4.71 (-0.07-20.07) prism dioptres (pd) (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between Bynocs and prism bar methods in NFV break (MD 2.00, range -21-26 pd, p = 0.584) and recovery points (MD 0.00, range -16-24 pd, p = .571). Near PFV were significantly lower with Bynocs (break: MD -9.00, range -38-12 pd; recovery: MD -14.00, range -43-20 pd; p < 0.001). Bynocs stereoacuity threshold was significantly lower than that obtained with TNO (p = 0.004), but significantly higher compared to Randot (p < 0.001). Large and clinically relevant confidence intervals for the comparison between digital and conventional measures were detected in Passing-Bablok analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital measures of near phoria, NFV, PFV, and stereopsis with the Bynocs platform cannot be used interchangeably with conventional measures. The normal ranges of normality for this new tool are defined.

Amblyopia Treatment through Immersive Virtual Reality: A Preliminary Experience in Anisometropic Children

The use of digital devices provides a wide range of possibilities for measuring and improving visual function, including concepts such as perceptual learning and dichoptic therapy. Different technologies can be used to apply these concepts, including, in recent years, the introduction of virtual reality (VR) systems. A preliminary experience in treating anisometropic amblyopia through an immersive VR device and using prototype software is described. A total of 4 children were treated by performing 18 office-based sessions. Results showed that distance VA in amblyopic eyes remained constant in two subjects, whereas the younger subjects improved after the training. Near VA improved in three subjects. All subjects showed an increase in the stereopsis of at least one step, with three subjects showing a final stereopsis of a 60 s arc. A total of three subjects showed an increase of approximately 0.5 CS units for the spatial frequency of 3 cpd after the training. Results from this pilot study suggest that visual training based on perceptual learning through an immersive VR environment could be a viable treatment for improving CS, VA, and stereopsis in some children with anisometropic amblyopia. Future studies should support these preliminary results.

Validation of Digital Applications for Evaluation of Visual Parameters: A Narrative Review

The current review aimed to collect and critically analyze the scientific peer-reviewed literature that is available about the use of digital applications for evaluation of visual parameters in electronic devices (tablets and smartphones), confirming if there are studies calibrating and validating each of these applications. Three bibliographic search engines (using the search equation described in the paper) and the Mendeley reference manager search engine were used to complete the analysis. Only articles written in English and that are evaluating the use of tests in healthy patients to measure or characterize any visual function aspects using tablets or smartphones were included. Articles using electronic visual tests to assess the results of surgical procedures or are conducted in pathological conditions were excluded. A total of 19 articles meeting these inclusion and exclusion criteria were finally analyzed. One critical point of all these studies is that there was no mention of the characterization (spatial and/or colorimetrical) of screens and the stimuli used in most of them. Only two studies described some level of calibration of the digital device before the beginning of the study. Most revised articles described non-controlled comparatives studies (73.7%), reporting some level of scientific evidence on the validation of tools, although more consistent studies are needed.

Differences in Visual Working and Mobile Phone Usage Distance according to the Job Profile

PURPOSE

To analyze and characterize the pattern of visual working distance (WD) and mobile phone usage distance (MPD) in a large population, analyzing the differences in these parameters according to the job profile.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study consisting of a screening campaign evaluating the visual status of professionals from seven different environments. A total of 454 participants with a mean age of 41.5 years (range, 22-64 years) were revised. The screening campaign consisted of several rapid tests performed in a single session in the usual work environment of each participant, including measurement of WD, arm length, and MPD (VisionApp, VisionApp Solutions S.L.).

RESULTS

WD was significantly longer than MPD (82.5 ± 150.6 vs. 31.9 ± 6.3 cm, p < .001), whereas no significant differences were found between arm length (74.3 ± 4.8 cm) and WD (p = .493). WD was below 80 cm in 89.6% (407/454) of participants, whereas MPD was below 40 cm in 89.0% (404/454). No significant correlation was found between WD and MPD (r = 0.126, p = .117). Statistically significant differences were detected among job profile subgroups in WD (p < .001), with military personnel showing significantly longer WD than other professionals (p ≤ 0.018). Significant differences were also found between job profile subgroups in MPD (p = .006), with shorter MPDs for shoe factory professionals compared to sellers (p = .046).

CONCLUSIONS

WD and MPD vary significantly among individuals, but always showing a shorter MPD. WD varies significantly also according to the job profile, being necessary to consider this information when selecting the most optimal optical aid in each case, especially for the compensation of presbyopia.

New method to improve the quality of vision in cataractous keratoconus eyes

To analyze using optical simulations if the proper use of a segmented intraocular lens (IOL) can improve the visual outcomes compared to the implantation of a spherical monofocal IOL. The wavefront profile of the Mplus (Oculentis) and a monofocal IOLs with the phase transformation introduced by each IOL were calculated using a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor. In addition, the wavefront profile of schematic eye models of various keratoconus conditions was obtained and was propagated to the IOLs. The optical performance of such combination was obtained after combining ray tracing and Fourier optics. A pre-clinical validation was also evaluated incorporating clinical data from three different keratoconus eyes of three patients. The implantation of the Mplus IOL can compensate or reduce the overall coma of the eye with keratoconus improving the quality of vision compared with a spherical monofocal IOL due to lower displacements of the retinal image or tilting in keratoconus. All theoretical simulations were confirmed afterwards by mean of a preclinical validation. The use of a standard toric segmented IOL with a proper orientation and selection of the addition can improve the optical quality of the keratoconus eye compared to the use of a monofocal spherical IOL.

Intrasession repeatability of pupil size measurements under different light levels provided by a multidiagnostic device in healthy eyes

BACKGROUND

The measurement of the pupillary function is an indispensable test in some eye examinations, being necessary the evaluation of the precision of instruments performing such measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intrasession repeatability of pupil size measurements provided by a multidiagnostic platform in a large sample of healthy eyes.

METHODS

This prospective study enrolled 100 healthy eyes of 100 patients, with ages ranging from 23 to 65 years old. Repeated pupil size measures under photopic (P, 220 lx), mesopic (M, 160 lx), low mesopic (L, 70 lx), and scotopic conditions (S, 1 lx) were obtained with the VX120 system (Visionix-Luneau Technologies, Chartres, France) after a complete eye exam. Likewise, pupil size was also measured once in the fellow eye in a total of 75 eyes. The level of intrasession variability as well as differences between fellow eyes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Most of differences between repeated measures did not exceed 0.5 mm (82% of S and 100% of P below this value). No significant differences between these repeated measures were found for S (p = 0.099) and L (p = 0.751). However, statistically significant differences were found between repeated measures for M (p = 0.002) and P (p = 0.003). The analysis of clinical relevance of differences between pairs (Passing-Bablok) only confirmed the clinical relevance of differences between the first and second repeated measurement of M. Concerning the comparative analysis between fellow eyes, no statistically significant differences in pupil size were found between right and left eyes in any light condition evaluated (p ≥ 0.227).

CONCLUSIONS

The VX120 system can provide consistent measurements of pupil size under scotopic, low mesopic and photopic conditions, with a relative limitation under mesopic conditions.

Repeatability of non-invasive break-up time measures with a new automated dry eye platform in healthy eyes

PURPOSE

To evaluate the intrasession repeatability for non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT) and tear meniscus height (TMH) measurements provided by a new multi-diagnostic platform, and to assess the interobserver reproducibility of TMH measures.

METHODS

Twenty-one healthy eyes of 21 patients (age, 23-65 years) were enrolled. A complete eye examination was performed in all cases with the VX120+ device (Visionix-Luneau Technologies), including an analysis with the new Dry Eye module, performing three consecutive measurements. The within-subject standard deviation (S_w) and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess intersession repeatability. Differences between examiners for TMH were also analysed.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found between repeated measures of NIBUT (time associated with the first break) and TMH (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were found for NIBUT50% (time associated with half of breaks of the tear film) (p < 0.05). Mean S_w was 0.9 s, 1.4 s and 0.05 mm for NIBUT, NIBUT50% and TMH, respectively. Ranges of agreement between consecutive measures were below 3.5 s and 4.5 s for NIBUT and NIBUT50%, respectively, and below 0.16 mm for TMH. Furthermore, no significant differences were found between examiners in TMH measure, with an inter-examiner range of agreement of 0.12 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

The new dry eye platform of the VX120+ platform evaluated provides objective automated measures of NIBUT and TMH, with acceptable level of intrasession repeatability for clinical screening purposes.

The Potential of Virtual Reality for Inducing Neuroplasticity in Children with Amblyopia

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a new safe and effective tool for neurorehabilitation of different childhood and adulthood conditions. VR-based therapies can induce cortical reorganization and promote the activation of different neuronal connections over a wide range of ages, leading to contrasted improvements in motor and functional skills. The use of VR for the visual rehabilitation in amblyopia has been investigated in the last years, with the potential of using serious games combining perceptual learning and dichoptic stimulation. This combination of technologies allows the clinician to measure, treat, and control changes in interocular suppression, which is one of the factors leading to cortical alterations in amblyopia. Several clinical researches on this issue have been conducted, showing the potential of promoting visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and stereopsis improvement. Indeed, several systems have been evaluated for amblyopia treatment including the use of different commercially available types of head mounted displays (HMDs). These HMDs are mostly well tolerated by patients during short exposures and do not cause significant long-term side effects, although their use has been occasionally associated with some visual discomfort and other complications in certain types of subjects. More studies are needed to confirm these promising therapies in controlled randomized clinical trials, with special emphasis on the definition of the most adequate planning for obtaining an effective recovery of the visual and binocular function.

Validation of corneal topographic and aberrometric measurements obtained by color light-emitting diode reflection topography in healthy eyes

PURPOSE

To evaluate the intrasession repeatability of anterior corneal topographic and aberrometric measurements provided by a color-LED topographer as well as their interchangeability with those provided by a Scheimpflug-based system in healthy eyes.

METHODS

Thirty-five healthy eyes of 35 patients (age, 16-66 years) were enrolled. A complete eye examination was performed in all cases including a complete corneal analysis with the Scheimpflug-based system Pentacam (Oculus Optikgeräte) (one measurement) and the Cassini system (i-Optics) (three consecutive measurements). Intrasession repeatability of the Cassini measurements was assessed with the within-subject standard deviation (S_w) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The Bland-Altman analysis was used to evaluate the agreement between both devices.

RESULTS

Mean S_w for keratometric readings was 0.02 mm (ICC ≥ 0.992), ranging between 0.16 and 0.05 D (ICC 0.930-0.978) for anterior and total astigmatic measurements. Mean S_w for asphericity and corneal diameter were 0.06 (ICC 0.926) and 0.03 mm (IC 0.997), respectively. Aberrometric parameters showed ICCs ≥ 0.816, except for Z₄² (ICC 0.741) and Z₄⁴ (ICC 0.544). When comparing devices, statistically significant differences were found for most of topographic and aberrometric data (p ≤ 0.044). Likewise, ranges of agreement between devices were clinically relevant (keratometry > 0.06 mm; total astigmatic components > 0.69 D; asphericity 0.35; second-, third-, and fourth-order Zernike terms, more than 0.20, 0.13, and 0.01 μm, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent anterior corneal topographic, total corneal astigmatic, and aberrometric measurements are obtained with color-LED topography in healthy eyes, which are not interchangeable with those provided by the Scheimpflug-based topography.

Validation of posterior corneal curvature measurements with color light-emitting diode topography

PURPOSE

To evaluate the intrasession repeatability and validity of posterior corneal curvature and astigmatism measurements provided by a color light-emitting diode reflection topography system in healthy eyes.

METHODS

A total of 40 healthy eyes of 40 patients (age, 16-66 years) were enrolled. A complete eye examination was performed in all cases including posterior topographic analysis with two systems: the Scheimpflug-based system (Pentacam; Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) and the Cassini system (i-Optics; Ophthec, The Hague, The Netherlands). With this last system, three consecutive measurements were taken to assess the level of intrasession repeatability (within-subject standard deviation, S_w; intraclass correlation coefficient). The Bland & Altman analysis was used to evaluate the interchangeability of both devices.

RESULTS

The S_w was ⩽0.06 mm for all posterior corneal radius measurements, with intraclass correlation coefficient of ⩾0.960. The S_w for the magnitude of astigmatism, J₀, and J₄₅ were 0.15, 0.04, and 0.04 D, respectively, with intraclass correlation coefficient values of 0.876, 0.897, and 0.840, respectively. Statistically significant differences between devices were found in all parameters evaluated (p ⩽ 0.025). The interchangeability analysis revealed the presence of clinically relevant limits of agreement for the flattest (0.03 to 0.50 mm) and steepest posterior corneal radii (-0.01 to 0.39 mm). In contrast, limits of agreements were not clinically relevant for the magnitude of posterior astigmatism (-0.17 to 0.27 D) and their power vector components (-0.11 to 0.15 D).

CONCLUSION

The Cassini system provides consistent measures of posterior corneal curvature and astigmatism in healthy eyes, but only measures of posterior astigmatism can be considered as interchangeable with those provided by the Pentacam.

New iPAD-based test for the detection of color vision deficiencies

PURPOSE

To develop and validate a new iPad-based color vision test (Optopad).

METHODS

A total of 341 student eyes were enrolled in a first comparative study between Optopad and the Isihara tests. In a second comparative study, Optopad vs. the Farnworth-Munsell test (FM 100H), a total of 66 adult eyes were included. Besides the agreement between tests, the correlation between FM 100H and Optopad outcomes were investigated. Multiple regression analysis was used to predict the total error score (TES) from contrast thresholds measured with the Optopad test.

RESULTS

The Ishihara and Optopad tests detected the same anomalous patients. Concerning FM 100H vs. Optopad, 10 subjects were diagnosed as anomalous with both tests, 3 mild anomalous cases based on TES were classified as normal with Optopad, and 2 anomalous subjects based on Optopad test showed normal TES values. Statistically significant correlations of TES and partial error red-green (PTESRG) with thresholds measured with the red-green Optopad stimuli were found. A multiple quadratic regression model was obtained relating TES and chromatic contrast values from Optopad (R² = 0.855), with only 13 cases showing residuals of ≥ 25 units.

CONCLUSIONS

The design and implementation of a chromatic contrast discrimination test has been carried out, with promising clinical results. This test seems to provide comparable outcomes to those obtained with Ishihara and FM 100H tests.

A New Approach for the Calculation of Total Corneal Astigmatism Considering the Magnitude and Orientation of Posterior Corneal Astigmatism and Thickness

PURPOSE

To evaluate a new method of calculation of total corneal astigmatism based on Gaussian optics and the power design of a spherocylindrical lens (C) in the healthy eye and to compare it with keratometric (K) and power vector (PV) methods.

METHODS

A total of 92 healthy eyes of 92 patients (age, 17-65 years) were enrolled. Corneal astigmatism was calculated in all cases using K, PV, and our new approach C that considers the contribution of corneal thickness. An evaluation of the interchangeability of our new approach with the other 2 methods was performed using Bland-Altman analysis.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences between methods were found in the magnitude of astigmatism (P < 0.001), with the highest values provided by K. These differences in the magnitude of astigmatism were clinically relevant when K and C were compared [limits of agreement (LoA), -0.40 to 0.62 D), but not for the comparison between PV and C (LoA, -0.03 to 0.01 D). Differences in the axis of astigmatism between methods did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.408). However, they were clinically relevant when comparing K and C (LoA, -5.48 to 15.68 degrees) but not for the comparison between PV and C (LoA, -1.68 to 1.42 degrees).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of our new approach for the calculation of total corneal astigmatism provides astigmatic results comparable to the PV method, which suggests that the effect of pachymetry on total corneal astigmatism is minimal in healthy eyes.

Intrasession repeatability of ocular anatomical measurements obtained with a multidiagnostic device in healthy eyes

Background

To evaluate the intrasession repeatability of anterior chamber depth (ACD), central (CCT) and peripheral corneal thickness (PCT), white-to-white diameter (WTW), and irido-corneal angle (IA) measurements obtained with a multidiagnostic device in healthy eyes.

Methods

A total of 107 eyes of 107 patients ranging in age from 23 to 65 years were examined with the VX120 system (Visionix-Luneau Technologies). Three consecutive measurements were obtained with this device to assess the intrasession repeatability of ACD, CCT, PCT at different nasal and temporal locations, WTW, and nasal and temporal IA. Data analysis included the calculation of within-subject standard deviation (S_w), intrasubject precision (1.96xS_w), coefficient of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

The S_w and CV for ACD was 0.03 mm and 1.16%, respectively, with an ICC of 0.992. The S_w values for central and peripheral pachymetric measurements were below 9 μm, with CV of less than 1.6% and ICC of 0.976 or higher. For IA measurements, S_w values of 0.84 or lower were found, with a CV between 1 and 2%, and an ICC of more than 0.970. The S_w for WTW was 0.24 mm and the CV was 1.95%. No statistically significant correlations were found between any anatomical parameter evaluated and their S_w and CV values associated (−0.220 ≤ r ≤ 0.204, p ≥ 0.125).

Conclusions

The VX120 system is able to provide repeatable measurements of anatomical parameters in healthy eyes. Inter-observer repeatability should be evaluated in future studies.

Multichannel perimetric alterations in systemic lupus erythematosus treated with hydroxychloroquine

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multiorgan autoimmune disease of unknown etiology with many clinical manifestations. We report the first case of SLE in which visual alterations were evaluated with multichannel perimetry. Some achromatic and color vision alterations may be present in SLE, especially when treated with hydroxychloroquine. The sensitivity losses detected in the chromatic channels in the central zone of the visual field were consistent with the results of the FM 100 Hue color test. Likewise, the multichannel perimetry detected sensitivity losses in the parafoveal area for both chromatic channels, especially for the blue-yellow.

Intrasession repeatability of refractive and ocular aberrometric measurements obtained using a multidiagnostic device in healthy eyes

PURPOSE

To evaluate the intrasession repeatability of refractive and ocular aberrometric measurements obtained using a new multidiagnostic device in healthy eyes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 107 eyes of 107 patients, age ranging from 23 to 65 years, were enrolled in this study. A complete eye examination was performed in all eyes, including an ocular examination using the VX120 system. Three consecutive measurements were obtained using this device to assess the intrasession repeatability of different refractive and ocular aber-rometric parameters. The within-subject standard deviation (S_w), intrasubject precision (1.96×S_w), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated.

RESULTS

S_w and intrasubject precision for refractive data were below 0.12 and 0.20 D, respectively, in all cases. The ICC ranged from 0.947 for the J₄₅ power vector component to 0.997 for the sphere. Concerning aberrometric measurements S_w and intrasubject precision values were below 0.05 µm and 0.10 µm, respectively. Likewise, the ICC ranged from 0.805 for the quadrafoil root mean square to 0.954 for the primary spherical aberration. Poor correlations were found between most of the refractive parameters and their S_w (-0.033≤r≤0.053, p≥0.064). Moderate and significant positive correlations were found between the magnitude of the aberrometric parameters evaluated and their S_w (r≥0.446, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The new multidiagnostic device evaluated is able to provide consistent measurements of refraction and ocular aberrations in healthy eyes. Future studies should confirm if this consistency is also observed in highly aberrated eyes.

Chromatic-achromatic perimetry in four clinic cases: Glaucoma and diabetes

Background:

Some diseases that affect the visual system may show loss of chromatic-achromatic sensitivity before obvious physical signs appear in the usual examination of the eye's posterior segment. A perimetric study has been conducted with four typical patients with glaucoma and diabetes, at different stages of the disease.

Materials and Methods:

In addition to the standard white-on-white (standard automated perimetry [SAP]), a test battery has been used to study patient's contrast sensitivity, using stimuli with different chromatic, spatial, and temporal content (multichannel perimetry). The choice of stimuli tries to maximize the response of different visual mechanisms: Achromatic (parvocellular and magnocellular origin); chromatic red-green (parvocellular origin); and chromatic blue-yellow (koniocellular origin).

Results:

The results seem to indicate losses in the achromatic-parvocellular perimetry and both chromatic perimetry tests, undetected by conventional SAP.

Conclusions:

Our results illustrate that our patients without visible retinal alterations show signs of suspicion in multichannel perimetry.

Reliability in perimetric multichannel contrast sensitivity measurements

BACKGROUND

In this study, the reliability of perimetric contrast sensitivity measurements favouring the achromatic, the red-green and the blue-yellow post-receptorial mechanisms was analysed.

METHODS

A new technique, multichannel ATD perimetry, provides spatial and temporal stimuli favouring the detection by an achromatic mechanism (A), from a magno or parvocellular origin or by a red-green (RG) chromatic mechanism, with a parvocellular origin or a blue-yellow (BY) mechanism, with a koniocellular origin. The repeatability and reproducibility of contrast sensitivity measurements with these stimuli were studied in a group of 40 healthy subjects. The analysis was carried out on 21 testing points within a 60° by 40° fovea-centred region of the visual field.

RESULTS

The within-observer repeatability for the four mechanisms studied is either good or excellent when the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) can be calculated. For the remaining points, the Friedman's test finds that the measurements are repeatable. The between-observer reproducibility was either excellent or good in cases where the ICC was applied and according to the Friedman's test all results were reproducible.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained showed good repeatability and reproducibility with A, RG and BY stimuli, although with BY stimuli repeatability is slightly worse. Future studies on the diagnostic validity of this device are based on the fact that changes of sensitivity can be compared by means of a visual single task, contrast sensitivity measurement and using a common metric.

Computation and visualization of the MacAdam limits for any lightness, hue angle, and light source

We present a systematic algorithm capable of searching for optimal colors for any lightness L* (between 0 and 100), any illuminant (D65, F2, F7, F11, etc.), and any light source reported by CIE. Color solids are graphed in some color spaces (CIELAB, SVF, DIN99d, and CIECAM02) by horizontal (constant lightness) and transversal (constant hue angle) sections. Color solids plotted in DIN99d and CIECAM02 color spaces look more spherical or homogeneous than the ones plotted in CIELAB and SVF color spaces. Depending on the spectrum of the light source or illuminant, the shape of its color solid and its content (variety of distinguishable colors, with or without color correspondence) change drastically, particularly with sources whose spectrum is discontinuous and/or very peaked, with correlated color temperature lower than 5500 K. This could be used to propose an absolute colorimetric quality index for light sources comparing the volumes of their gamuts, in a uniform color space.