Posters

Are low vision aids (LVA) a boon for the curse of low vision?

Poster Details

First Author: S. Jain INDIA

Co Author(s):    G. Saxena                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate the usefulness of Low Vision Aids for distance vision and to develop methods to keep patients and parents motivated and thus ensuring continued and regular usage of prescribed low vision aids thereby resulting in independence in daily tasks hence improving quality of life.

Setting:

Retrospective study carried out at Indira Gandhi Eye Hospital and Research Center, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The hospital research ethics committee was consulted regarding our study design and confirmation was given that formal ethics approval was not required. Study period Jan 2015 to May 2015.

Methods:

Retrospective single center study from 01 Jan'15 to 15 May'15.52 eyes of 34 patients (27 male,7 female)aged 6 to 75 years with low vision underwent trial & were advised telescope(range 4x to 10x)for distance.LVA for near was given but not compared in this study. Both Hand held and mounted Telescopes were prescribed as per patients requirement. Electronic systems is another option for those who can afford.

Results:

Log Mar Visual Acuity Pre LVA was 1.778 to 1 in 65.39% eyes & 0.778 to 0.477 in 34.61% eyes & Post LVA was 0.176 to 0 in 50% eyes,0.602 to 0.301 in 34.61% eyes & 1.778 to 1 in 15.39% eyes.9/34 patients had Retinitis pigmentosa & 5/34 Nystagmus.Data was applied in statistical analysis(paired t test two tailed). t = (M - μ)⁄SM =(-0.58 - 0)⁄0.05 = -12.02138 Value of p is< 0.00001.The result is significant at p ≤0.05. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by questionnaire regarding independence in daily tasks. 50% patients were completely satisfied, 35% patients were very satisfied, and 15% patients were slightly satisfied .

Conclusions:

Our study statistically shows that LVA significantly improve distance visual acuity in patients & thus improve confidence for daily tasks. The questionnaire used helps to check patient satisfaction which is very important in patient's who have been prescribed LVA as the continued and regular usage o LVA depends on the satisfaction level of the patient. Regular follow-up definitely helps in maintaining patients motivation.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE