A Comparative Study on Smartphone Based Visual Acuity Test and Conventional age-matched vision testing charts in GEN alpha and Z

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of visual acuity measurements using smartphone application in comparison to traditional visual acuity tests in the Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

METHOD: The research was approved by National Eye Centre Lahore. The study took place on patients visiting National Eye Centre Lahore. Sample size consisted of total 132 participants which were grouped into two; 66 in generation z (1995-2009) and 66 in gen alpha (2010-2024). Distance visual acuity and near visual acuity was recorded using ETDRS chart, near logMAR chart (traditional charts) and “Snellen chart” (smartphone-based chart) at standard distance. All dependent and independent variables were kept in mind. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Mann Whitney test was applied to analyze the data. P value ≤ 0.005 was considered significant.

RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 16.73 ± 6.45 in which 54.5% were female and 45.5% was male. After comparing visual acuity recorded by both methods; conventional charts and smartphone-based charts, the p value of distance visual acuity was 0.143 for both eyes and near VA had p value of 0.00. The results showed significant difference in near visual acuity and no significant difference in distance visual acuity.

CONCLUSION: It is concluded that smartphone-based distance visual acuity test represents an easy and reliable alternative to conventional age-matched vision charts for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Smartphone-based charts prove better for near visual acuity in both generations.