Video Presents New Visual Field Test for Kids

University of Cambridge pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Louise Allen and University of York electronics engineer Dr. Adar Pelah announce the development of KidzEyez. The device is a specialized visual field test system, which is perfectly capable of identifying peripheral vision defects in children.

There is a remarkably high number of potential sources that could lead to loss of peripheral vision in children. Some of these include brain tumors, cerebral palsy, various drug therapies and neurosurgery. Standard eye disorders and being born prematurely are also common causes.

The new test consists of a screen running cartoons and a video camera installed on the side. As the children are watching the show, various stimuli appear unobtrusively on the screen, which are meant to elicit their peripheral vision.

Using the camera, researchers track the reaction kids' eyes have when seeing these stimuli. This allows them to figure out whether anything is wrong with their vision or not. The diagnostics method has already been tested at the Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge.