Relationship between Uncorrected Visual Acuity and Refractive Error in Visual Acuity Test of Children

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship of uncorrected visual acuity and refractive error in children. METHODS: Visual acuity testing was performed, using LogMAR chart without optical aids, in children between 4 and 11 years old. Cycloplegic refraction was carried out to check the refractive error. Correlation indices between uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and refractive error were obtained by regression analysis with SPSS according to the sex, age, and refractive error type, myopia, or hyperopia. RESULTS: One hundred and one children were enrolled in this study. Spherical refractive error range was -13.00D~+6.25D and cylinder range was -4.50D~0D. In the older age group, correlation indices of UCVA and refractive error increased. In addition, female patient and myopia were other components that increased the correlation indices. The formulae for the UCVA regression line and refractive error were; y=0.491e0.1492x (x=refractive error, y=UCVA), R2=0.4319. Based on the regression line, a prediction table to calculate the refractive error from the UCVA and UCVA prediction table of refractive error was made. CONCLUSIONS: For the children who are not cooperative, the prediction table of this study will be helpful to reduce the test error in visual acuity and refractive error tests.