Comparing visual acuity in preschool children using the Lea symbols and Sheridan Gardiner charts

Abstract

Visual acuity measurement is a vital part of an optometric examination. The purpose of the present study was to compare visual acuity in preschool children using two charts – the Lea symbols chart and the Sheridan Gardiner chart. One hundred and fifty-three preschool children (72 boys and 81 girls) between the ages of 3 and 5 years (mean age and standard deviation 4.23 ± 0.78 years) were recruited from five randomly selected nursery schools. Distance visual acuity was measured monocularly and binocularly after a pre-test was done. An interval of 5 minutes was allowed for testing with both charts. The ages and sexes of each child were documented. Results showed a statistical difference in visual acuities using both charts (p < 0.05). There was also a statistical difference in both charts regarding age. There was no significant gender difference between the results from each chart.

Comparison of the efficacy of Lea Symbol chart and Sheridan Gardiner chart for preschool vision screening

“…As expected, testing time was higher for the youngest 3-year-old group, which could be due to the shorter attention span of younger children. Similar findings in VA score were found in previous Osaiyuwu and Atuanya[ 10 ] Hered et al . had observed that, among the 3 year olds, the cooperation rate was 92% with LS, whereas it was 85% with HOTV chart.…”

“…[ 8 10 15 ] We also observed that the SG tends to overestimate VA scores when compared to LS. Studies done by Simmers et al .,[ 15 ], Schlenker et al .,[ 16 ] and Osaiyuwu and Atuanya[ 10 ] have documented this previously. Osaiyuwu and Atuanya[ 10 ] also commented that this tendency is seen the lower logMAR VA scores.…”

“…Studies done by Simmers et al .,[ 15 ], Schlenker et al .,[ 16 ] and Osaiyuwu and Atuanya[ 10 ] have documented this previously. Osaiyuwu and Atuanya[ 10 ] also commented that this tendency is seen the lower logMAR VA scores. However, a few other studies did not show a statistical difference in the estimated VA scores between LS and the HOTV chart among 3–3.5 year olds.…”

“…Study done by Osaiyuwu and Atuanya among 153 preschool children in Nigeria, using the LS chart and SG chart showed a statistical difference in visual acuities ( P < 0.05) detected by the charts. [ 10 ]…”

Ocular disorders among preschool children in Southwest Nigeria

“…This is akin to findings of local studies by Obajolowo as well as Osaiyuwu and Atuanya in Nigeria. [ 21 24 ] Hered and Murphy,[ 23 ] in Florida, USA, also reported that VA performance improved with age. This association could be attributed to better cooperation, longer attention span, and a higher level of visual development with age.…”