To explore differences in saccadic eye movements between children with oculomotor dysfunction and those in a control group across three age groups, using two assessment methods: the subjective Northeastern State University College of Optometry (NSUCO) Oculomotor test and objective analysis with the Tobii Eye X Eye Tracker (Tobii Eye X, Tobii, Stockholm, Sweden). This study included 31 children (ages 7-13) diagnosed with oculomotor dysfunction and 16 age-matched children in the control group. Participants were divided into three age groups: group 1 (7-8 years), group 2 (9-11 years), and group 3 (12-13 years). Saccadic eye movements were evaluated and compared using two methods: the NSUCO test and the Tobii Eye X eye tracker, along with specialized software analysis (Thomson Software Solutions, Welham Green, UK) RESULTS: Children in the oculomotor dysfunction group obtained significantly lower NSUCO scores (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Regarding eye tracking analyses, a significantly higher number of hypometric saccades were found in oculomotor dysfunction group (p ≤ 0.044). Additionally, in this group a significantly higher percentage of regressions was observed for a 1-second stimulus presentation interval (p = 0.012). Significant correlations were found between different NSUCO scores and the percentage of regressions, the number of completed saccades and the number of hypometric saccades. The presence of hypometric saccades and regressions appears to be a distinguishing characteristic of children with oculomotor dysfunction, detectable through both objective eye tracking analysis and the subjective NSUCO test, which can be easily implemented in clinical settings.
2 February 2024 in Optometría Clínica y Ciencias de la Visión
Relevance: The purpose of this work is to identify treatments that provide the greatest benefits in myopia control, with the aim of preventing risk factors in the future, avoiding severe vision loss, and improving the patient's visual quality.Summary: The objective of this work is to conduct a literature review on different types of myopia control methods to determine the most commonly used and effective approach to date. Additionally, it will review both the basic concepts of myopia and the risk factors associated with its progression. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed database, optometric books, and the optometric and ophthalmic gazette of the College of Optometrists from articles published since 2000, selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 4939 results were found for the main objective of the work, which were narrowed down using inclusion and exclusion criteria to obtain a total of 30 articles divided into the introduction and discussion sections of the paper. Currently, treatments with significant efficacy are atropine and orthokeratology. However, there are new advancements such as peripheral defocus contact lenses that demonstrate improvements in the side effects of these two former treatments. Despite significant progress and the emergence of new treatments, further research on myopia control is necessary.
Purpose: To investigate the relationship between oculomotor skills, phorias, and visual symptoms in pediatric population aged 5 to 8 years. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 children, divided into three age groups. Each participant underwent a full optometric examination, including the Maddox test for dissociated phoria, and the Northeastern State University College of Optometry (NSUCO) and Developmental Eye Movement (DEM) tests for oculomotor function. In addition, the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS V-15) questionnaire was administered to assess visual symptoms. Results: The prevalence of binocular and oculomotor dysfunctions varied by age and sex. Differences in saccadic and pursuit eye movement performance were observed between groups. Older children showed patterns of association between phoria measurements, oculomotor performance, and possible visual symptoms, particularly in girls over 6 years of age. Conclusions: This study provides additional descriptive data for the pediatric population and highlights that oculomotor dysfunction and phoria frequently coexist. Symptom scores measured by the CISS V-15 tended to increase with age. The results should be considered preliminary and potentially hypothesis-generating, pending the future availability of a validated questionnaire to assess phoria-related symptoms in children from 5 years of age. Overall, this study underscores the importance of comprehensive binocular vision assessments in school-aged children.
18 November 2024 in Optometría Clínica y Ciencias de la Visión
Relevance: This study compiles all the research conducted in recent years on the search for possible visual dysfunctions related to prematurity (a high-prevalence risk factor) in order to facilitate early diagnosis and ensure more accurate follow-up and treatment for these patients. In this literature review, a total of 198 research studies published in the last 10 years have been analysed, of which 10 have been included that meet the scientific evidence guidelines explained in this paper. After the search with certain criteria, the results show a high percentage of Retinopathy of prematurity as the most prevalent pathology in prematurity, followed by a high rate of refractive errors, such as astigmatism, hypermetropia and myopia and a higher incidence of strabismus, nystagmus and amblyopia. There are significant alterations in brain areas involved in the visual system involved in processes such as visual recognition and memory, as well as in motor processing, leading to alterations in ocular motility and stereopsis. In addition, there is evidence of a delay in the process of emmetropisation and in the development of the accommodative/vergence system, also related to prematurity. These results are supported by the literature and when compared with each other. Controversy has been found in relation to other studies, especially in the case of strabismus, amblyopia and non-significant results in ocular measurements such as vitreous and anterior chamber thickness. These findings related to preterm birth show the importance of vision screening in the pediatric population from an early age for early diagnosis and treatment and to improve the quality of life of these patients.
Rationale and objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) significantly affects visual function, especially convergence and eye movements, impacting tasks such as reading. The objective was to investigate preliminarily the impact of the use of digital visual training in PD patients with associated convergence insufficiency (CI). Materials and methods: Pre–post pseudo-experimental pilot study to evaluate the impact of a novel digital therapy system (video game for use on a mobile phone or tablet) in 13 patients with PD and CI, with a mean age of 67 years. A comprehensive visual assessment was performed before and after a 6-week home-based visual rehabilitation, including measurement of near point of convergence (NPC), near positive fusional vergence (PFV), oculomotor tests (NSUCO and King-Devick tests), and symptom assessments with two validated questionnaires (CISS and SQVD). Results: Treatment adherence was variable, ranging from 0.8% to 124.7%. Despite this, significant improvements were found after therapy in break (p = 0.022) and recovery points of the NPC (p = 0.007), as well as break (p = 0.003) and recovery points in near PFV (p < 0.001). In the NSUCO test, the total score improved significantly from 23.9 ± 4.2 to 26.2 ± 3.7 after therapy (p = 0.003). Furthermore, a significant reduction in the total King-Devick test time was observed, decreasing from 79.4 ± 28.8 s to 69.0 ± 21.5 s with therapy (p = 0.034). Finally, symptom questionnaire scores also decreased significantly with therapy (CISS p = 0.037, SQVD p < 0.001). Conclusions: The digital vision therapy system evaluated seems to improve oculomotor control and reduce visual symptoms associated with CI in PD patients. Studies with larger sample sizes and a control group are needed to fully validate the therapeutic effectiveness of this tool.
1 January 2026 in Occupational Therapy International
Introduction: Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) between optometrists and occupational therapists is key to optimising care for people with visual and functional difficulties. This study examines the experiences and perceptions of IPC among both disciplines in Spain, identifies factors shaping collaboration and compares actual collaborative practice with perceived IPC priorities. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted using an online survey. Participants, 138 optometrists and 148 occupational therapists, were categorised into two groups: those with prior collaborative experience (G1 = 92) and those without (G2 = 194). The survey included sociodemographic data, practice fields and perceptions of IPC. Drawing on D′Amour′s model, the dimensions of shared goals and vision, internalisation, formalisation and governance—and their related indicators—were analysed. Quantitative data were examined using descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests, Fisher′s exact tests, Mann–Whitney U tests and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Open‐ended responses were analysed descriptively. Results: Only 32.2% of participants reported prior IPC experience, and collaboration was more frequent in paediatric and private settings. Many G2 professionals indicated serving clients with low vision or acquired brain injury without collaborating, highlighting missed opportunities. G1 participants reported a positive impact on practice and professional learning and scored highly in internalisation, indicating trust and mutual understanding. Nevertheless, gaps persisted in shared goals, formalisation and governance. Occupational therapists reported a more client‐centred approach than optometrists and perceived some role‐boundary barriers. Limited role awareness and uncertainty about referral pathways were expressed by G2. Both groups noted a need for targeted training to support IPC. Conclusions: IPC between optometrists and occupational therapists in Spain is currently limited and mainly informal. Prior collaborative experience was associated with greater trust and clearer role understanding. Interprofessional education, clear referral pathways and organisational support are essential to strengthen IPC and ensure client‐centred, comprehensive care for individuals with visual impairment.