How does ABV testing differ when performed in children versus adults?

• A. Tests are identical
• B. Norms differ due to age; children may have more suppression and adaptation
• C. Children always perform better
• D. There is no difference

Answer: (B)

ABV testing in children differs mainly because age changes the baseline of binocular function. The vergence system, accommodation–convergence interaction, and how suppression develops and is used to avoid diplopia all mature with age. Because of that, adult norms can’t be directly applied to kids. Children often rely more on suppression and may adapt their responses during testing, which can alter the results. In practice, ABV assessments for children use age-appropriate norms and sometimes adjusted protocols to match their attention span and cooperation. In contrast, adults have a more stable and fully developed binocular system, so their results align more closely with adult norms. That combination—age-specific norms and the potential for suppression/adaptation in children—is why this option is the best fit.