Comparison of Eccentric Fixation Measurements Using the Streak Target of an Ophthalmoscope and a Traditional Visuoscopy Target

PURPOSE: To compare measurements of eccentric fixation using two different targets for fixation, a traditional visuoscope target and the streak target of an ophthalmoscope. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Monocular fixation was evaluated using visuoscopy in 47 patients ranging in age from 4 months to 22 years. Visuoscopy measurements were compared using both the traditional visuoscope target and the streak target of a Welch Allyn ophthalmoscope. The streak light was rotated both horizontally and vertically to detect both horizontal and vertical eccentric fixation. RESULTS: The streak target improved testability of eccentric fixation in children younger than 3 years compared to the traditional visuoscope target (75% versus 30%). All of the patients older than 3 years were testable using both targets, with both methods yielding the same results. All of the patients with a visual acuity of at least 20/20 also demonstrated central fixation using both techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Using the streak of a Welch Allyn ophthalmoscope as a visuoscope target allows for testing of eccentric fixation in children younger than 3 years.