Electronic Device Allows Self Measurement of Visual Acuity, Biomicroscopy

An e-Device that evaluates best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and provides biomicroscopy self-imaging, could assist in remote ophthalmic examination in the absence of an ophthalmic professional, according to a study in Cornea.

Researchers instructed the study’s participants (N=56) on how to screen their eyes with a custom e-Device equipped with a mini slit lamp and a Snellen chart projected at 20 feet.

All participants were able to achieve a satisfactory self-image of their eyes and conduct a self BCVA measurement with the e-Device following a short period of instruction. Self BCVA was within 1 Snellen line of a routine BCVA measured on the same day in 92% of eyes. Self biomicroscopy permitted recognition of pathology, or lack thereof, in 74% of eyes when compared with conventional approaches. Slit-lamp images obtained by the device were comparable with conventional slit lamp photos at 6 to 10 times magnification.

“An e-Device that allows for biomicroscopic self-imaging and BCVA self-measurements may have several potential benefits, especially when combined with internet connectivity,” according to the researchers. More efficient clinical follow-up, the ability to share data with specialized care centers, and the ability to conduct more frequent screenings are some of the benefits cited by investigators.

Study limitations include the use of convenience sampling and the inability to obtain conventional slit-lamp images for many of the participants.

Reference

Van der Star L, Mulders-Al-Saady R, Phan A, et al. First clinical experience with ophthalmic e-device for unaided patient self-examination during COVID-19 lockdown. Cornea. Published online November 24, 2021. doi:10.1097/ico.0000000000002945

Reference

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