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.