A novel paediatric game-based visual fields assessor

Tariq M Aslam (1) , Waheeda Rahman (2) , David Henson (3) , Peng T Khaw (2)

1 NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and University of Manchester
2 NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology
3 Respiratory Research Group

Aim: To determine the feasibility of using a computer game to measure visual fields in children. Methods: We describe the development and assessment of a novel computer game apparatus to measure visual fields in children. It is based upon a computer game visible on a monitor, housed in an interactive model castle structure. Results: We conducted a total of 25 field tests with the final apparatus, in 25 eyes of 19 children, aged 4 to 14yrs. On 2 occasions children failed to complete the exam, due to hardware and software defects that were subsequently rectified. For the 23 completed fields median time for completion of the full test was 4.5 minutes. 16 out of 18 clinically normal patients showed normal fields -the only failures were in two four year old children who still managed to complete fields, but with generalised reduced responses that were deemed abnormal by our predetermined criteria. For the 5 eyes with expected glaucomatous loss, all 5 visual fields measured were completed and showed abnormal fields consistent with their medical condition. Positive feedback was given from all children about their testing experience. Conclusions: It is feasible to develop a computer game based system to measure fields in children in a non-invasive, affordable and entertaining way.

Mots clés: Diagnostic tests/Investigation; Field of vision; Child health (paediatrics); Glaucoma

Tariq M Aslam, Waheeda Rahman, David Henson, Peng T Khaw. A novel paediatric game-based visual fields assessor. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 2011, 95 (7), pp.921. ⟨10.1136/bjo.2010.198135⟩. ⟨hal-00628363⟩