Measuring Stereoacuity by 3D Technology

This paper presents a novel method for measuring with great precision the stereoacuity, that is the smallest depth difference that can be detected in binocular vision. The proposed technique is implemented by a software program that runs on a PC with 3D capabilities. The 3D technology is exploited to provide two different images to the two eyes. The measurement is performed by a classical random dot test, but differently to other tests printed on paper or plastic, the images shown to the patient can vary and the disparity between the two images can be set in order to exactly measure the stereoacuity. Moreover, thanks to the exploited 3D technology, the test does not present any monocular clue. These features allow delivering the test also in groups (instead of individuals) like school classes, and to reduce the risk of undetected amlyopia. The system can be easily operated also by not specialized personnel and this may further increase the cost efficiency of the test. We present the experiments carried on with a large set of children of age between five and seven years. We discuss the results and compare our technique with some traditional approaches.