Development of Stereoscopic Acuity: Longitudinal Study Using a Computer-based Random-dot Stereo Test

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the development of stereoscopic acuity (stereoacuity) in children longitudinally.

Methods

Seven full-term normal infants whose age at the beginning of the study was between 12 and 23 weeks were studied. A computer-based random-dot test of stereoscopic vision (TV-Random Dot Stereo Test) was used to measure stereoacuity. The test was repeated at 2- to 3-month intervals until the children reached 2 years of age, and then every 6 to 12 months until they reached 5 years of age.

Results

All of the infants were found to have a stereoacuity of 2480 seconds of arc (2480″) with this test by 26 weeks of age. The first reliable measurement of stereoacuity was obtained from a 16-week-old infant. Stereoacuity did not improve significantly between 6 and 12 months, but it improved rapidly after 12 months. All children had a stereoacuity of 100″ with the Titmus Stereo Tests at 5 years of age, but the best stereoacuity with the TV-Random Dot Stereo Test was 229″ at 28.9 months.

Conclusions

The development of stereoacuity studied longitudinally was similar to that obtained by cross-sectional studies. The TV-Random Dot Stereo Test is a useful program for measuring stereopsis in preverbal children. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2005;49:1–5 © Japanese Ophthalmological Society 2005