[Determination of far vision with DIN 58220 (criterion 6/10): computer vision test with high resolution monitor in comparison with vision charts].

Background: The results of nearly automated computerized determination of visual acuity by PC are compared to those of card measurements. The introduction of a new measuring technique should not change the dimension--visual acuity--itself, therefore there should be no difference between the results of the conventional technique and those of the PC.

Methods: Both methods were tested in a group of subjects (N = 100) with vision between 0.1-2.5. The nearly automated technique was developed and established by our department. Like the conventional method it keeps strictly to the DIN rates. For DIN-criterion we chose for the benefit of high reproducibility 6/10.

Results: In spite of some deficiencies in the presentation of the Landoltrings on the monitor, our analysis presents a surprisingly good correspondence between the results of the two methods. In the analysis, we are not comparing arithmetic mean values. Instead, we examine the individual difference between the two methods in acuity steps and its these distribution within the group of subjects. No statistically provable difference can be detected. This is valid for both single visual acuity and for visual line acuity, which can also be tested with the computer aided method.

Conclusion: We conclude that the PC proves to be an equivalent method to the measurement with cards. Thus, it is suitable for the use in daily routine of vision examination with the advantage, that the investigator has less influence on the outcome of the test.