T H Margrain1. 1. Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, PO Box 905, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF1 3XF. margrainth@cardiff.ac.uk
Abstract
AIMS: To substantiate the claim that low vision aids reduce the degree of disability associated with visual impairment. METHODS: An observational study of vision, ocular pathology, age, sex, and reading ability in new referrals to a low vision clinic. Reading ability was assessed both with the patients' own spectacles and with an appropriate low vision aid. RESULTS: The reading performance and biographical characteristics of new referrals to a low vision clinic were recorded. Data were collected for 168 people over a 6 month period. Upon arrival at the clinic the mean functional visual acuity equated to 6/36 and 77% of patients were unable to read newsprint (N8). After a low vision assessment and provision of a suitable low vision aid 88% of new patients were able to read N8 or smaller text. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of visual impairment observed in new referrals to a low vision clinic is sufficient to prevent the majority from performing many daily tasks. Low vision aids are an effective means of providing visual rehabilitation, helping almost nine out of 10 patients with impaired vision to read.
AIMS: To substantiate the claim that low vision aids reduce the degree of disability associated with visual impairment. METHODS: An observational study of vision, ocular pathology, age, sex, and reading ability in new referrals to a low vision clinic. Reading ability was assessed both with the patients' own spectacles and with an appropriate low vision aid. RESULTS: The reading performance and biographical characteristics of new referrals to a low vision clinic were recorded. Data were collected for 168 people over a 6 month period. Upon arrival at the clinic the mean functional visual acuity equated to 6/36 and 77% of patients were unable to read newsprint (N8). After a low vision assessment and provision of a suitable low vision aid 88% of new patients were able to read N8 or smaller text. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of visual impairment observed in new referrals to a low vision clinic is sufficient to prevent the majority from performing many daily tasks. Low vision aids are an effective means of providing visual rehabilitation, helping almost nine out of 10 patients with impaired vision to read.
Authors: D Z Reinstein; N L Dorward; R P Wormald; A Graham; I O'Connor; R M Charlton; M Yeatman; R Dodenhoff; R Touquet; T Challoner Journal: Br J Ophthalmol Date: 1993-05 Impact factor: 4.638
Authors: H M Leibowitz; D E Krueger; L R Maunder; R C Milton; M M Kini; H A Kahn; R J Nickerson; J Pool; T L Colton; J P Ganley; J I Loewenstein; T R Dawber Journal: Surv Ophthalmol Date: 1980 May-Jun Impact factor: 6.048
Authors: R Robinson; J Deutsch; H S Jones; S Youngson-Reilly; D M Hamlin; L Dhurjon; A R Fielder Journal: Br J Ophthalmol Date: 1994-10 Impact factor: 4.638
Authors: Tom H Margrain; Claire Nollett; Julia Shearn; Miles Stanford; Rhiannon Tudor Edwards; Barbara Ryan; Catey Bunce; Robin Casten; Mark T Hegel; Daniel J Smith Journal: BMC Psychiatry Date: 2012-06-06 Impact factor: 3.630