Original article
Cerebral malaria and the eyes: development of appropriate testing protocols for children in the developing world
Authors:
Anna R. O’Connor ,
Division of Orthoptics, Thompson Yates Building, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L69 3GB, GB
About Anna R.
Dr, PhD BMedSci (Hons)
David Newsham,
Division of Orthoptics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, GB
About David
PhD MSc DBO
Paul C. Knox
Division of Orthoptics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, GB
About Paul C.
PhD BSc (Hons) CBiol MIBiol
Abstract
Aim: To determine the feasibility of a number of tests of visual function and oculomotor control in children tested in Malawi.
Methods: Using computerised vision testing software, run on a laptop (Test Chart 2000 Pro), monocular visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS), using Lea symbols, were measured. Binocularity was assessed by the cover test and TNO, with assessment of ocular movements in nine positions of gaze. Visual fields were assessed with a campimetry test run on the laptop. Antisaccade directional error rates were calculated from digital video recordings of eye movements.
Results: Seven subjects with a history of cerebral malaria (CM) and 13 healthy controls were recruited. All the tests were successfully employed in the majority of subjects although the antisaccade task was difficult for children under the age of 6 years. There was a trend to lower VA and CS in the CM subjects compared with controls. There were no cases of strabismus in cither group; a slightly higher number of targets were missed on the visual field analysis in the CM subjects. The antisaccade directional error rates were inversely related to age showing the normal developmental trajectory.
Conclusion: The combination of tests used proved a useful and practical means of investigating visual function, binocularity and vixuomotor development in children in the developing world
How to Cite:
O’Connor, A.R., Newsham, D. and Knox, P.C., 2008. Cerebral malaria and the eyes: development of appropriate testing protocols for children in the developing world. British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, 5, pp.58–62. DOI: http://doi.org/10.22599/bioj.232
Published on
01 Jan 2008.
Peer Reviewed
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