New Welch Allyn Vision Testing Technology Detects Refractive Error in a Child-friendly, Objective Manner.

SKANEATELES FALLS, N.Y.--(BW Healthwire)--Oct. 26, 1998--Welch Allyn, a world leader in the manufacture of medical diagnostic instruments, has developed a new vision testing technology that detects refractive error in children faster, more accurately, and less intrusively.

The technology, which will be available in a new instrument in the summer of 1999, is designed to detect key risk factors for amblyopia, a marked loss of visual acuity in one eye that affects up to five percent of the U.S. population. Research indicates that two-thirds of cases of amblyopia, or "lazy eye," are associated with refractive error. Current testing methods, such as an eye chart, are difficult to perform on young children. In addition, only 21 percent of U.S. children have their vision screened before kindergarten. Therefore, more than 70 percent of children with the disorder go undetected until after the window for effective treatment expires. However, if treatment begins during the window -- before school age -- vision can almost always be preserved.

To Welch Allyn, these facts revealed the need for an easier, more effective testing method. The company combined the need for an objective child vision screener with its new, proprietary technology. The result is an instrument that more effectively diagnoses potentially amblyopic children at an age when the chances are best for full recovery.

BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY

The technology is an innovative advancement that enables healthcare providers to detect significant refractive error accurately, objectively, and rapidly. "We've designed a method that enables an instrument to take five readings of an eye in one second and objectively determine if that person has refractive error," explains Drew Kugler, R&D and product manager for EENT Products at Welch Allyn. "This method provides the administrator simple, objective pass/fail information."

The Welch Allyn technology is similar to that used in autorefractors employed by ophthalmologists and optometrists to obtain refractive information on their patients. However, the Welch Allyn device is more compact, less expensive, and less intrusive than current autorefractors.

Welch Allyn's method operates by pressing a button and lining up the hand-held device 16 inches away from the patient's eye -- as opposed to the two or fewer inches needed by autorefractors. The portable unit requires little time to learn, and nurses, physician assistants, or other trained office staff members can administer tests.

CHILD-FRIENDLY ADMINISTRATION

Traditionally, Pediatricians and Family Physicians use Snellen visual acuity (eye) charts to screen for the presence of refractive risk factors. However, studies have shown that only 25 percent of three-year olds and 50 percent of four-year olds can successfully complete this test. Often, non-compliant children receive false positives, while others receive false negatives because the charts are not always sensitive enough to detect refractive problems. In addition, performing this test on pre-school children can take an average of five minutes.

Because reading eye charts can be frustrating, optimizing the test's ease of use was one of Welch Allyn's primary objectives in developing this technology. The new instrument has visual and audio cues that engage the child's attention automatically - eliminating the need for the child to respond. "This improves accuracy tremendously and reduces the total time required to administer the test to about one minute," Kugler added. "In addition, the test is conducted at arm's length from the child, preventing potential adverse reactions from close proximity." Clinical trials have begun to validate the new technology's accuracy. They will be available before the instrument is introduced in the summer of 1999.

Founded in 1915, Welch Allyn is a leading designer and manufacturer of medical and dental diagnostic instruments, automatic data input devices, miniature precision lamps, and remote visual inspection equipment. Located in Skaneateles Falls, New York, Welch Allyn employs more than 2,000 people and has numerous design, manufacturing, and sales facilities located throughout the world. For more information about Welch Allyn's new vision screening technology or any other Welch Allyn product, contact Welch Allyn toll free at 888/359-2394.