Comparative Efficacy of Duochrome Test versus +1 Blur Test in Detecting Refractive Error Across Different Ages

Background: Refractive errors are common vision problems that require accurate detection for proper correction. The duochrome test and +1.00 blur test are simple subjective methods used to fine-tune refraction. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, accuracy, and reliability of the duochrome test versus the +1 blur test in identifying refractive errors, including myopia and hyperopia, across various ages. Methodology: In this comparative cross-sectional study, the sample size is 30 with an estimated 10% dropout out patients with refractive error (15 in each group). Data were collected from Eye Professional Clinic within 10 months. Both genders aged between 18 to 60 years old, having refractive error, with no history of prior eye surgery. They had no active eye diseases affecting visual acuity, such as cataracts or retinal disorders and could cooperate with both the duochrome test and the +1 blur test. Individuals with severe visual impairment or neurological disorders affecting vision, patients with nystagmus or any condition that may compromise the reliability of testing. Group A (18-35 years) and group B (36-60 years), both tests were applied. Post-sphere values were taken for the final results. The visual function (VF-14) questionnaire is used to determine the level of functional impairment of vision in patients. Both groups’ post-sphere correction values were compared. Results: Group A (18-35 years) group mean score of duochrome test score (14.13±1.59) and +1 blur test score (11.73±2.01), post duochrome sphere right eye (-2.0±2.2), post duo-chrome sphere left eye (-2.30±2.39), post +1 blur test sphere right eye (-2.05±2.27), post +1 blur test sphere left eye (-2.31±2.39). Group B (36-60 years) group mean score of duochrome test score (11.60±2.06) and +1 blur test score (11.73±2.01), post duochrome sphere right eye (-2.0±2.2), post duochrome sphere left eye (-2.30±2.39), post +1 blur test sphere right eye (-2.05±2.27), post +1 blur test sphere left eye (-2.31±2.39), p-value is less than 0.05. Conclusion: Both the duochrome and +1 blur tests improve refractive error’s efficacy, accuracy, and reliability in Group A of young individuals aged 18-35 years as compared to Group B of older adults aged 36-60 years, with the duochrome test showing greater effectiveness.