EARLY DETECTION OF REFRACTIVE ANOMALIES IN PRESCHOOL AND SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN USING MOBILE APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using mobile applications for the early detection of refractive errors in preschool and school-age children. The research was conducted in 2023–2024 at the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Eye Microsurgery and included 152 children aged 3 to 14 years. Participants were divided into two groups: the main group (mobile screening) and the control group (traditional ophthalmologic visits). The mobile application “Ko’zGuard” was used to assess visual acuity, color perception, and preliminarily detect refractive disorders. The results showed that refractive anomalies were diagnosed significantly earlier and more frequently in the main group compared to the control group. Notably, the rates of myopia (47.4% vs. 35.5%) and hyperopia (19.7% vs. 14.5%) were higher in the mobile screening group. The average age of diagnosis was 1.5–2 years younger in the main group. The study also revealed that regular use of mobile apps and their gamified format increased parental engagement and children's motivation. A parent survey confirmed a high level of satisfaction with digital tools. The findings support the integration of mobile applications into the preventive
eye care system for children as an effective tool for preliminary screening and increasing parental awareness. Nevertheless, the role of the ophthalmologist remains essential for final diagnosis and clinical management.