Self-assessment of Visual Acuity Using a Smartphone Application

Abstract

Purpose: We evaluated the accuracy and usefulness of self-assessment of visual acuity (VA) using a smartphone application for Korean users and explored its potential application in screening eye diseases.Methods: In total, 52 participants aged ≥ 20 years were included in the study. Of these participants, 31 used Jin Yong-Han’s VA chart and the smartphone application to measure their distant visual acuity (DVA), whereas 21 used Han Chun-Seok’s near visual acuity chart and the application to measure their near visual acuity (NVA). The results and time required for VA measurement using both methods were compared. VA was converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) for analysis. The voice recognition rate of the application for numbers 2-9 was assessed.Results: The mean NVA was 0.29 ± 0.28 using Han’s chart and 0.30 ± 0.43 using the application with no significant difference (p = 1.00). The mean DVA was 0.19 ± 5.89 using Jin's chart and 0.20 ± 0.27 using the application with no significant difference (p = 0.19). The average time spent for measuring NVA and DVA was 19 seconds (s) using Han’s and Jin's charts, whereas it was 42 and 38 s for measuring NVA and DVA using the application. The voice recognition rate of the application was 87% on average for numbers 2-9, with the highest rate for number 7 (79%) and the lowest rate for number 4 (91%).Conclusions: Self-assessment of VA using a smartphone application exhibited similar results to conventional VA measurement methods. Although the measurement time varied, DVA and NVA could be measured at home using a smartphone, and would be particularly useful for those who have difficulty visiting a hospital.